
Class 
Book. 



.A 



»iLao/ 



t^MT 



CopightN?. 



\^^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



3 fj- 



WHEN KNIGHTHOOD WAS 
IN FLOWER 



WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 
WAS IN FLOWER 



%'^ 



a }0lat 



Dramatized -^v 

PAUL KESTER 

From the novel by Charles Major 



PRIVATELT PRINTED 



U8RARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

MAY ib jyob 

Gopyriarnt Entry g 
CLASS » to '^^' No. 



T§ 3 .r^ 1 



When Knighthood Was in Flower 

A Novel 

Copyright 1898 

The Bowen-Merrill Company 



When Knighthood Was in Flower 

A Play 

Copyright 1906 

The Bobbs-Merrill Company 



WHEN KNIGHTHOOD WAS 
IN FLOWER 



SCENES 

ACT I. 
Near the River Landing in Windsor Park. May-Day. 

ACT II. 
Clary's aparimenis in Bridwell House, London. 

ACT III. 
Great Room of the Bow and String Inn. Bristol. 

ACT IV. 

Scene I. Room in the Palais des Tonrnelles. Paris, 

France. Two months later. 
ScEXE II. Room in Greenwich Palace, England. 

Time: 1513-1514. 



CHARACTERS 



1. Henry VIII, King of England. 

2. Francis D'Angouleme, Dauphin of France. 

3. Thomas Wolsey, Bishop of Lincohi. 

4. Duke of Buckingham. 

5. Duke de Longueville, Envoy of France. 

6. Charles Brandon. 

7. Sir Edwin Caskoden, blaster of the Dance. 

8. Master Cavendish, Wolsey's Secretar3^ 

9. Sir Adam Judson, Cousin of Buckingham. 

10. Will Somers, King Henry's Jester. 

11. Captain Bradhurst, of the Royal Hind. 

12. Host of the Bow and String Tavern. 

13. An Officer, King's Guard. 

14. Servant at the Inn. 

15. First Adventurer. 

16. Second Adventurer. 

17. Queen Katherine, of England. 
,18. jMary Tudor, Princess of England. 

19. Lady Jane Bolingbroke, 

20. ]\Iistress Anne Boleyn, 

]\Iaids of Honor to Mary Tudor. 

21. Mistress Jane Seymour. 

22. French Lady. 

23. Page. 

24. Chamberlain. 

25. Courtiers. 

26. Voices. 

Lords and Ladies of the French and English Courts. 
Pages, Courtiers and Sailors. 



When Knighthood Was In Flower 



ACT T. 

Scene : Windsor Park near the river landing. The scene 
shows an old terrace near the river landing, a glimpse of 
the river is seen upon the drop and at L. The entrance to 
the forest of great oaks. The terrace is at R., with steps 
leading down at C. in the face of the terrace ; down R. is 
a wide marble seat ; the terrace and the balustrade are over- 
grown with ivy and roses and shadowed by the branches of 
the great oaks. Beyond the terrace at R. is seen the ap- 
proach to a lodge or pavilion in the forest. There is a sun- 
dial at C, a seat about a great oak at L. The day is warm, 
and brilliant with sunshine. 

Discovered: At rise music is heard; the stage is crowded 
with ladies, courtiers, pages and May-Day merry-makers. 
In the center of the stage Will Somers is dancing with 
Morris dancers ; Jane Bolingbroke is weaving garlands on 
seat of tree L., her lute beside her, the little pages to and 
fro with flowers for her, pelting Will Somers and the 
dancers with roses and daisies. As the dance ends the 
coui'tiers and ladies applaud, and the pages pelt Somers 
with more flowers. 

Note: All staffs with flowers and garlands carried in 
the very opening of the play. 

Suddenly and clearly from the distance come 
the sounds of trumpets. 

Jane 

Seated at tree, waving her garlands in the air. 

The trumpets! ]\[arv is coming! 

Goes up steps C 



2 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

All 
Mary is coming! Mary is coming! 

Distant voices in the woods take up the shout : 
"Mary is coming! Alary is coming!" 

General movement towards R. U. 

Anne Boleyn 
Welcome to Mary ! 

Jane 

On the terrace, looking off. 

T can not see the barge ! 

Up on steps. 

Look, Master Somers, can yon see the Lady 
Mary's barge? 

SoMERS 
On terrace coping C, looking off R. 

Nay ! But I can hear them that mnst have bet- 
ter eyes. Mary is coming! Mary is coming! 

Buckingham and Judson enter L. 2 E., cross 
to C. 

Jane Seymour 
My lord of Buckingham ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 
All 



The J)uke of Buckingham! 



BuCKIxNGIIAM 

C, presenting. 

Sir Adam Judsoii — just home from Flanders. 

All 

11ie famous ckielist ! 

TUDSOX 

R. C. 

Who is this Alary? tliis wonderful ]\Iary? 

Buckingham 

C. 

She is the King-'s sister coming from London 
by the ri\er. 

SOMERS 

Down C, seated on stage. 
She brings the ]\Lay with her. 

Jane 

Crossing to tree. 

The skv clears as she comes ? 



4 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane Seymour 

I look to see it cloud again when Henry tells 
her of this French marriage ! 

Jane 

Forsooth ! a pretty offer. Mary sixteen and 
Louis sixty. 

Seated at tree. Jane sits under tree with Jane 
Seymour. 

SOMERS 

To wed May to December! May will have her 
storms and tears as well as smiles. We shall see 
lightning and hear thunder ! 

Jane Seymour 

'Tis whispered that the Princess Ioa'cs already ! 

Seated L. 

The tale runs that she has smiled upon the King's 
new favorite, Charles Brandon! 

Buckingham 

R. C 
Brandon ! 

Jane Seymour 
She has warm Tudor blood. 



WAS IX FLOWER 5 

Buckingham 

R. C 
Tudor temper! Tudor pride! 

Jane 

And Master Brandon ! 

SOMERS 

Has pride and temper, too, but keeps them 
like his sword, ahvays in sheath till wanted — the 
scabbard hides the polish. 

Jane Bolingbroke 

If he has marked her Highness' favor 

Rises. 

he has made no sign ! 

All exit but Jane Seymour and Somers. There 
is a general movement toward the landing 
ofif R., with cries of "To the landing!" "To 
the landing!" 



Jane 

Crosses to Somers C. 
Must be busy. Gathering up her garlands. 

Think, Master Somers, Mary in love! and I 
not gone two weeks ! 



6 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

SOMERS 

Seated on stage L. C making a harness of 
flowers to drive one of the little pages with. 

Since Alary sets the fashion shall you wear a 
heart of the same pattern ? It were a happy day 
for the patient Caskoden. 

Jane 

L. C 

I trust in no man's vows ! I would there were 
some oracle to paint them all in their true colours ! 

SOMERS 

Faith ! There's Grouche, the soothsayer, who 
keeps his house in Billingsgate. A rare astrol- 
oger, who charges but five shillings for a green 
parchment with all the future written on it ! 

Jane Seymour 

Coming down to tree. In horror, L. C. 

Grouche's ! An evil place ! No woman brings 
her good name from his door. His green parch- 
ments are wanton's warrants, ]>assports to in- 
famv ! 



WAS TX FLOWER 7 

Buckingham 

R. C. against wall. 

*T\vas there my Lady Orniond and my Lady 
Chesterfield were met ! 

Jane Seyaiour 
The King" expelled them from the court ! 

Jane 

Then Grouche is not for me! Come, Master 
Somers, we'll go together! Marygolds for 
]\Iary! Marygolds for Mary! 

Somers and child follow Jane. Somers har- 
nessed with garlands, child driving him. 

Exeunt Jane, Somers and children at top of 
terrace. 

Judson and Buckingham cross to L. C. As they 
turn Caskoden and Brandon appear at the 
head of the terrace steps, meet Jane, stop for 
a moment. Bus. 



Look! 



TUDSON 

L. C. 



Buckingham 

L. of L. C. 



Charles Brandon, with his sworn friend, Sir 
Edwin Caskoden ! 

Sitting L. 



8 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

JUDSON 

Brandon ! 

Buckingham 

Seated L. C. 
The King's new favorite! You know him? 

JuDSON 

L. C.,' standing. 

1 kihed his brother in a duel in Flanders ! 
There was no love between us over-seas ! 

Buckingham 

I would that he had fallen in his brother's 
stead. Find some occasion to discredit him ! The 
Princess Mary has no smiles for me since he un- 
horsed me in the lists. 

Brandon and Caskoden come down. 

JuDSON 

L. C, his hand upon his sword. 

Shall it be now? 

Jane exits R. 

Buckingham 

Rising. 

No, to the landing- first ! 



Pause, hand on Judson's arm. 



He has a strong sword arm. 



WAS IX FLOWER 9 

JUDSON 

He can not pierce the shirt of mail I wear. 

Buckingham and Judson turn to terrace steps. 
They are confronted by Brandon. Judson 
stares insolently at Brandon. 



TUDSON 

L. C. 

By your lea^'e, gentlemen ! Nay, by your leave ! 

Going up to terrace. 
Laughing to Buckingham. 

The King's favorites were wont to be of better 
breed when first I came to Court ! 

Judson and Buckingham on terrace. Judson 
laughing as he turns at top of steps and meets 
Brandon's look. Exit R. on terrace, laugh- 
ing. 

Brandon 

Down L., look ofif R. 

You saw the evil sflance he ea\e me. 



Caskoden 
Who is that man? 



R. 



Brandon 

Sir Adam Judson. Llim they call ''the walk- 
g- deat 
cards — 



L. C. 



ino- death." He killed mv brother in a duel over 



lo WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Caskoden 

C, as Brandon turns from him for an instant. 

He hates you then ! and you have made an- 
other foe in Buckingham ! 

Brandon 

Takes stage a little to L. 

Buckingham a foe! Because I had the fortune 
to unhorse him in the hsts? 

Caskoden 

« Crosses to Brandon. 

He is the Princess Mary's slave! You are his 
Grace's rival in her Highness' favor! 

Brandon 

Crosses to tree L., sitting. 

I, Caskoden ? Not I ! I did not lea\'e my wits 

in Suffolk ! 

Seated L. 

Why, man ! She is a princess ! Henry's sister ! 
is sought by kings and emperors ! 

As he speaks, trumpets and chorus are heard 
off R. near at hand. 



WAS IN FLOWER ii 

Caskoden 

Up, looks off and then over to Brandon, strikes 
him on shoulder. 

Xay, come, come, I say ! 

Trying to force Brandon to follow. 

The Princess will expect you ! 

Brandon 

Struggling to free himself from Caskoden. 

There will be time enough ! 

Crossing over R. C. 

Caskoden 

C. 
You will not come ! 

Brandon R. C. 

Coward ! You fear her ! Affront her by your in- 
difference, and yet you dare not meet her! Bran- 
don ! You love her ! 

Brandon 

R. C. 

No, no, I do not wear my heart upon my 
slee\e. Let me pay off my father's debts so that 
my sisters shall not want, then for Xew Spain ! 
Glory and fortune, conquest and yellow gold ! 

Up the steps, looks oft" R. Caskoden follows 
him up C. 



T2 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Yet, faith, how fair she is. This Mary Tudor! 

But ril not break my heart for her. 

Down to R. C. 

It would not mend as easily as Buckingham's ! I 
must quit England soon or never ! 

Caskoden 

Down to Brandon. 
You love her ! You love her ! 

Brandon 
No ! Let mad men stay at Court, love Mary 
Tudor and die for her on Tyburn or the block ! 
Not I ! 

Trumpets. Shouts. 
Exit Brandon R. I. E. below terrace. As Bran- 
don exits, shouts and trumpets are heard off 
R. Caskoden turns to follow the others to 
the landing, when he is met by Will Somers 
dancing on, pages, courtiers, etc. Caskoden 
goes to extreme L. I. 

All 

As they enter. 
Mary has come! Mary has come! Her High- 
ness ! Lady Mai"y ! 

Pages and Ladies 

Scattering flowers on terrace steps. 



Marigolds for Mary ! 



Stage full before ]\Iary enters. 



WAS IX FLOWER 13 

SOMERS 

Upon terrace. 

Hear ye! Hear ye! Mary Tudor, come into 
the forest of W'indsor and wheedle the King of 
England out of his ears ! 

Enter Mary. She takes Somers by the ear, 
leads him down steps. General laugh. 

Mary 

C. on terrace. 
Shouts heard off R. 

That will I do. Will Somers, when I have 
boxed yours well ! 

As she speaks, Mary cames down the terrace 
steps, followed by King and Wolsey, Buck- 
ingham, Judson, DeLongueville, courtiers. 
Mary and her little train make a pageant as 
they descend the steps, preceded by the trum- 
pets and pages scattering flowers. Somers 
crosses back of tree L. 

C, speaking as she enters. 

No ! No ! No, I say ! No brother ! Never ! 

Never ! 

Enter — pause. Crosses to Caskoden, L. C. 
Caskoden kneels, L. 

How, now. Sir ILdwin Caskoden, I missed you at 

the landing! Jane ever called you faithless, so 

you have proved yourself! 

Sits bv tree L. C. 



T4 V/HEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

R. C, following Mary. 

How, girl ! You will ! You will not ! but I 

say you shall ! This is an alliance I have set my 

heart upon! 1 swear you shall be queen of 

France ! 

Somers stands on seat of tree. 

Mary 

Then you will die foresworn, brother, for I 
sw^ear I shall not ! 

Henry 

C. 

He is King- of France! What more could any 
woman ask? 

Mary 



thing- at Courts ! 



A man, brother, a man! If there be such a 

All laugh. Omnes murmur. 

De Longueville 

R. C. 
Mon Dieu ! Your Majesty! 

Henry 

C. 

To De Longueville, as he advances from R. 
Heed her not ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 15 

Bus. for Henry to calm De Longueville. 

The stnl)l3ornest wench tliat ever hrother was 

cursed with ! 

To Mary. 
If Louis will ha\e yon, his yon are! 

Jane R. of Mary at tree. 

Mary 

His I am not, if I go single to my grave! 

Murmurs. 

De Longueville 
Mon Dien ! 

Crosses R. Wolsey crosses L. to R. of Henry. 
Buckingham comes down L. of Henry. 

Mary 

To others. 

My lords, yon hear him ? Jane ! He sends for 
me post haste to say I must be Oneen of France. 

LIexry 
Damnation ! But I rnle in England ! 



Mary 



Laughing at Henry 



Yes. W'ith Wolsey at your elbow, and Bnck- 
ingham behind yonr chair ! 



i6 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

SOMERS 

On seat L. I. by tree. 

The thorniest rose upon the Tudor stem ! 
Buckingham 

Bow. L. C, over to Mary. To Alary as she 
laughs. 

This mood becomes your Highness mightily, 

your beauty — 

Mary 

I know ! God save us ! My eyes, my skin, my 
teeth, my hair, my hands ! 

Indicating each with a touch, a gesture or a 
grimace. 

I wish old Louis had them all and I were done 

with them ! * 

All laugh. 

Henry 

C. 

Sister, Monsieur the Duke De Longueville, am- 
bassador from his Alajesty the King of France. 

Henry presents De Longueville with fervour. 

De Longueville 

Advances and bows at center. Alary turns from 
him. He retreats dismayed. 

Sapristi ! 

With remonstrance. 



WAS IX FLOWER 17 

Henry 

Nay, he must have a civil answer; he must 

know your mind. 

Mary 

L. C, still seated. 

My mind ! I tell you I've no mind for it at all ! 

It shall be as the fates decree ! Let him go to an 

astrologer ! There's Grouche ! 

^^Iiirmurs. 

Henry 

Grouche ! 

Mary 

Yes. Grouche, Grouche, Grouche! The for- 
tune teller, the soothsayer! Some day /'// go my- 
self and make the p-lace the fashion ! 

De Longueville 
Grouche ! \Vhere is that ? 

Henry 

To De Longueville. 

An infamous resort where women go to meet 

their lovers ! 

Crosses to her. 

See Grouche and I will make an example of you 
before them all ! I'll ha^'e you flogged on Smith- 
field Pillory! 

Murmur. Omnes, "Oh !" 



t8 when knighthood 

Mary 
Indeed ! 

To others. 

Why, one would think that it was written in 

the ten commandments, "Thou shah not visit 

Grouche!" — 

All laugh. 

Henry 

Strides up L. C. and back. 

God's death, ril teach the hussey! You hear 
me! 

Mary 

Aye! dear brother, the very wood shakes with 
the noise you make. I am not at the castle, 
])rother, so you need not bellow like a bull ! 
There, I promise you I'll never go to Grouche's 
house — Never ! Never ! Never ! 

Crosses to him — then aside to Jane. 
Again ! 

Henry 

C. 

Madcap. The Duke De Longueville — 

Woi.sey 

R. C, aside to Henry. 
Nav, Sire, let the Princess rest, when she has 



WAS IX FLOWER 19 

eaten and refreshed herself the Queen shall speak 

\\ith her. 

. Alary shrugs. 

Let us leave her with lier ladies now! 

LIenry 

C. 
Good ! My Lord ! 

To Mary. 

Sister! Your ladies will find refreshment in 
the lodge where the Queen is ; as for you, you — 

She comes to him. 

little termagant, you are welcome to AVindsor! 

Mary 

C, coaxingly. 

How can I think so, brother, if you will plague 
me with this talk of marriages? 

Henry 

Crosses to L. C, laughing. 
Nay, you shall not cozen me again ! 

Jane crosses front of tree to L. All bow low as 
they pass Mary. To others. 

Come, gentlemen ! 



20 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

De Longueville 

De Longueville tries to take her hand — she 
withdraws it. 

Oh, mon Dieu ! but how beautiful ! 

Caskoden crosses and kneels, kisses her hand, 
goes R. U. Somers kneels to her. Bus. 

Mary 

Rise, Sir William Somers, knight by the hand 

of Mary. 

Goes up and off on terrace singing "Cloth of 
Gold." 

Everybody 
Bravo, Master Somers ! 

Exeunt all but Mary, Jane, Anne Boleyn, Jane 
Seymour and page, who remain at back. 

Anne Boleyn 

R. U. C., as Henry exits. 

My lady, will you join the Queen ? 

Jane sits L. in front of tree. 

Mary 

Down L. C, with a grimace. 
No ! I will not take my physic till I must ! 

To others. 



WAS IX FLOWER 21 

Bring me some wine and cakes. 

Exit pages and children R. U. 
You, Jane, and I will feast here in the open. 
Anne Boileyn, Jane Seymour, and all the rest, 
please dine indoors with ]\Iadam Ceremony ! 
Ugh ! 

Shrugging her shoulders. 

Anne 

Up steps R. C. 
I'll tell her Majesty! 

The ladies and Anne Boleyn exeunt R. U. E. 
As they go, Mary looks all about. Laughs, 
draws Jane to her. 

Mary 

Oh, Jane! I died to have you to myself ! Two 

weeks away ! and now come back from my Lord 

Bolingbroke's as plump as any partridge! Have 

/ changed? 

Rises. 

Mark you no difference in my color ! 

Marv up on steps of terrace. 

Look! 

Janes goes quickly to C. under terrace, looking 
off L, then turns to ^Nlary. 

Yonder they go ! Henry and Wolsey, with their 

heads together, bargaining to sell me to the King 

of France! 

To Jane, seriously. 



22 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 



You heard my l)rother, how bent he seems upon 
this marriage ?- 
foretold it too. 



this marriage? — and worse than all — old Grouche 



Jane 

C, backing down to L. C. 
Grouche ! 

Mary 

Advances to Jane. 

Yes. Here's the green parchment ! 

JANE 



To L., aghast. 



Then you have seen the astrologer! 



Mary 

I saw him yesterday ! 

She takes the green parchment from her pouch 
and holds it out to Jane. As she does so a 
letter slips from the folds of the parchment. 
Stands with it in her hand. 

'Tis written here upon this greasy sheepskin ! 



Jane 

They sit L. by tree. Taking parchment gin- 
gerly. 



A horoscope 



WAS IX FLOWER 21, 

]\Iary 

Looking over Jane's shoulder. 
That I lia\e many lovers ! 

Jane 
hi good sooth ! A wise parchment ! 

^L\RY 

One low born ! 

Jane 
That's Alaster Brandon! 

Mary 

Surprised. 

How ! \Miat say you ! ^Master Brandon ! 
^^>nch ! 

Jane 

'Tis said vou love him. ^^lary! 



Seated L. 



AL\RY 

I — not I! How dare thev! 



Seated L. 
Angrily. 



Eagerly. 

Yon have seen him then? You heard how he 
sent Buckingham into the dust at \\'estminster ? 
Wdien did vou see him, Jane? 



24 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 
I saw him on the terrace here with Caskoden! 

Mary 

Rises. 

Here ! 

Looks about eagerly, then turns, sees Jane 
watching her. 

And gone as I approached ! Not at the landing ! 

Angrily. 

I tell you, Jane, that they are all alike! They 

follow you until you throw a smile to them, and 

then they laugh at you ! I do confess I hate them 

all. 

Jane 

And Master Brandon ! 

Mary 

Oh, I hate him most! What! I must humor 
him — a proud person, Jane, and dance with him 
— he dances very well — and show him fa\-OTs — 
be sure they were small matters. Jane, honor 
him before my brother and forsooth — ''Good 
nig'ht, your Highness," and he's gone, he says he 
is going to New Spain ! Your Caskoden comes 

back the next day and the next, but Master Bran- 



WAS IX FLOWER 25 

(Ion, he comes not at all ! and when 1 write and 
bid him, he sends me a fine civil letter — with ex- 
cuses ! 

Showing letter, drops it. Jane runs to Mary, 
stoops to pick it up. 

Jane 

Seated L. 

Well, I think he shows his wisdom in avoiding 

you ! 

Mary 

C. hidignantly. 

His wisdom! Dear God! and will he get the 
plague from me? or w^ill I eat him up? I did not 
know I was accounted monstrous. Perhaps he 
listens to these idle tales, thinks that I love him, 
languish for him ; pities me forsooth ! the up- 
start ! I would he were before me now ! 

Crosses to R. C, looks off, indicating business. 

Jane 

Seated L. 

For him to win your love would mean the 

block ! 

Mary 

\\>11, what of that — T never said that he need 
trv! I hate the low-born wretch. I hate his pru- 



26 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

clence. Jane, I am the most ill-used of women! 

You shall hear what Grouche did prophesy. 

Sits. 

Jane 

If this were known what would your brother 

say ? 

Mary 

Laughing, 

You heard him ! "You shall be flogged at 
Smithfield ! By God's death, I'll teach the hus- 
sey!" — He is so virtuous, by proxy! If he knew 
he'd pack me straightway off to France, though 
I should weep like any crocodile ! 

Jane 

As they sit together at L. 
WeW, read it to me! 

Mary 

Her head by Jane's. 

It says that I have many lovers — 

Jane 

Counting on fingers. Mary tosses her head. 

My Lord of Buckingham, my Lord Howard, 
mv Lord — 



WAS IX FLOWER 2-] 

Marv 

"One low-born" — that's Brandon, and he is 
false! false! Do you hear, Jane! False! 

Jaxe 

Seated L. 
False ! 

Mary 

Points with her finger to a word upon tlie 
parchment. 

Oh, I shall punish him! Be sure I shall! Fll 

vex him ! I will avoid him, be haughty with him, 

will not speak to him ! 

Looking off for Brandon. 

Not I ! 

Jane laughs. 

But if he sails — 

She falters. 

leaves England, and I am sold to Louis ! 

Jane 

Seated L. 

You love him, Mar}' ! 

Mary 

C. 

Oh ! how foolish you are, Jane. I only would 
not have him go so far — on Caskoden's account! 
Now, there's more to come! 

Reading the horoscope. Jane sits, laughs. 



28 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

It says that I shall marry a great prince — old 
Louis — that I'll not ! 

Throws down parchment in front of Jane L. 



Let me read ! 



Jane 

Picks it up — and back to seat. 

Mary 

C. 



There! Take it! Believe it not! Til have 

none of it ! A humbug, swindle, fraud ! A 

cheat ! Henry shall pull his house about his ears ; 

and for this five shillings! five! to have him 

proven false ! Yet I care not ! This Brandon 

has no thought of mine ! 

Jane laughs. 

Why will yoii plague me with him, Jane? I'll 
never see his face again ! Or trust in any man ! 

Jane 

Rising, 

Nor I ! 

Enter Somers, R. I., singing "Cloth of Gold," 
followed by pages with refreshments, which 
they place R. on seat of terrace. Somers goes 
up steps of terrace. 

Mary 
The pages ! 

Somers, singing "Cloth of Gold," goes to top 
of terrace, points off right. 



WAS IX FLOWER 29 

SOMERS 

Pointing off R. 
Sir Edwin Caskoden ! 

Janes runs up the steps. Exit Somers singing 
R. on terrace. Pages exit R. I. 

Mary 

To Jane, taking the horoscope and folding it 
with letter. 

Is — is Master Brandon with him? 

Not looking. 

Jane 

Looking off R. on terrace. 

Sir Edwin is close followed by — 

Mary 

Turns eagerly. 

Yes ! Jane ! 

Jane 

Llis shadow! I'll fetch the napkin. 

Exit on terrace, R. She laughs. Enter Cas- 
koden R. I. jMary pouts and shrugs, then 
laughs as Jane exits R. I. Jane, as she exits, 
avoids Caskoden. As she runs off, Caskoden 
enters R. I. 

Caskoden 

R. C. 

Oh. Lady ]\Iary, intercede for me! Jane and I 



30 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

have been fast friends since childhood, yet she 
forbids me now to speak my love. 

He sighs. She mocks. 

Mary 

L. C. 

Love ! Love ! Llave you, too, caught the pes- 
tilence ! You shall not plague me with it. I 

have heard enough ! 

Enter Jane R. I., Hstens. 

Caskoden 

C, to her. 

Think you that I may hope ? Does she disdain 
me in her heart? 

Mary 

L. C. 

Were she like me she would despise all men, 
but she's a fool ! Admires you — and I think 
could learn, with your instruction— 

As Mary speaks Jane runs forward and slaps 
her hand with the napkin in it. 

Jane 

C, running over to her. 
Mary ! 

To Caskoden. 

Do not believe one word she says, for if you do 
I never will esteem you, sir ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 31 

Caskoden 

Oh, Lady Jane, how could I ever hope for such 

great happiness? 

Jane goes around tree quickly 

Mary 

Laughing and pushing Caskoden toward Jane. 

He loves you! 

Mary C, Caskoden L. C, Jane L. 

Caskoden 

Advancing to Jane L. 

You must believe her Highness, Lady Jane, 
I do. 

Jane 

Around tree to C. quickly. 

Believe her? Xo ! X'or 3'ou, sir! Never! 
X'^ever ! 

Caskoden 

L., looking after Jane, who crosses back of tree. 

I would I had a heart like Brandon's, all indif- 
ference, and not this one I suffer with ! 



32 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Front of tree, quickly. 

Brandon ! Where is your friend ? Jane dies to 

see him ! 

Jane R. C, pulls Mary's dress. 

I warn you she will fall in love with him, like 
Anne Boleyn ! They say none can resist him ! 

Caskoden 

L. 

Nay, make no jest of Brandon ! He is the best 
friend, the greatest swordsman, the bravest, tru- 
est gentleman in Christendom ! 

Mary 

L. C, to Jane. 

You hear him ! But come ! We are forgetting 
our refreshments. 

Caskoden 

Crosses to R. quickly. 

Let me serve your Highness ! 

Mary 

Crosses to R. C, pausing. 

Nay, we will have this greatest swordsman, 
the bravest, truest gentleman in Christendom to 
fill our cups for us. Go, sir, let him attend us ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 33 

Jane 

Your Highness! This is no office for Master 
Brandon, a captain of the guard. 

Mary 

R. C. 

Why not ? Henry has knights to wait on him, 
and Wolsey, too, and may I not have a captain. 

To Caskoden. 

Besides, I promised Jane she shall have speech 
with him. Go, Edwin, make haste. 

Exit Caskoden, laughing, R. ist E. 

Jane 

C, as he exits. 
Lady Mary ! Why have you sent for him ? 

Mary 

C. 

They say I favor him, this slander comes of 
my complaisance. I will check it once for all ! If 
he has rash hopes you shall see them withered. 
He shall know his place: Janes does this gown 
become me? — and my hair, my eyes, my teeth 
and my complexion, did Buckingham belie them? 



34 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 



C. 



Nay, you have a pretty color and your eyes are 

brilliant! 

Mary 

R. C. 

With scorn, Jane! All with scorn! Why! 
Hath not Grouche discovered all his falseness to 
me? 

Holding up horoscope with the letter. 







Jane 


Hush ! 




Crosses to R., looking off R. 


Do thev 


come ? 


Mary 

C. 


Sir Edwin. 


Jane 

R. C. 


Well ? 




Mary 

C. 


Alone ! 




Jane 

R. C. 


Alone ! 




Mary 

C. 

Enter Sir Edwin Caskoden, R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 35 

Caskoden 



Your Highness ! 



R. C. 



Mary 

Where is Master Brandon? Does he follow 



you? 



Caskoden 

R. C, humble. 



Master Brandon prays to be excused. His 
duty to the Queen prevents his waiting on your 

Highness. 

Mary 

C, pausing aghast. 

His duty to the Queen? He would not come? 
Excuses ? He sends them, and you bring them ! 
Upstart! How dared he! He shah be flogged 
for insolence ! Let him go to his old New Spain ! 
the knave ! The braggart ! Now by the love of 
God — if he — 

Down and up stage. Caskoden goes up steps on 
terrace. 

Jane 

R., in front of terrace, looking ofif. 

Hush ! Hush ! blaster Brandon is approach- 



nig! 



36 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Turning her back. 

He makes a jest of me ! 

Enter Brandon R. I. E. He pauses R. C. Mary 
stands with her back to him, Jane R. Mary 
hums a catch of song. Moves to the dial, 
reading the motto upon it. Brandon bows to 
Jane R., crosses over to C. Bus. Brandon 
and Jane look — points to Mary. 

Brandon 

Advancing as Mary still ignores him, her back 
to him. 

Have I the honor to find the Princess Mary 

here ? 

Mary 

Over in front of tree, without turning. 

Is the Princess Mary of so little consequence 

about the court that she is unknown to a mighty 

captain of the guard ? 

Jane drops down stage. 

Brandon 

Quickly. 

I can not say of what consequence the Princess 
Mary is at court, but I am sure she is not here, 
for she woukl give a gentle answer to a message 
from the Queen. I will look elsewhere for her 
Highness. 

He turns to go R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 37 

Mary 

C, turning to him. 

Insolent fellow ! If you have any message, de- 
liver it and begone ! 

Brandon 

R. C, to Lady Jane — back to Alary, 

Will your Ladyship say to her Highness that 
her Majesty begs her to join her in the lodge! 

Jane advances few steps. 

Mary 

Sits by tree L. 

No need to repeat the message, Jane ! I have 

ears ! I can hear for myself. 

To Brandon. 

If your insolence will permit you to receive a mes- 
sage from so poor a person as the King's sister, 
say to the Queen that I will come when I am 

ready ! 

Brandon 

To Jane, ignoring Mary. 

If I have been guilty of any discourtesy I crave 
her Highness' pardon ! 

Brandon crosses to R., exits quickly R. I. 
Mary goes up C. 



38 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 
The wretch ! 

Jane 

R. C, going to Mary up C 
My lady, you were wrong. He must not go in 
anger ! Let me call him back ! 

Mary 

L. C. 
Never ! Never ! I wrong ! 

Comes down L. C. Looking after Brandon. 

I warrant me the Pope of Rome could not affront 

him ! The airs he has ! Forsooth ! Wrong ! 

Well ! Well ! Why don't you call him back ! I 

do it for your sake — and for the Queen ! Be 

quick ! 

Eagerly. 
Quick! quick! else he is gone! 

Exit Jane R. 

Jane 

As she exits. 

JNIaster Brandon ! Master Brandon ! 

Mary 

Looking off, hiding behind terrace wall R. C. 

There, he is stopping? Now he turns! Oh! I 

could kill him and then eat him ! 

A deep sigh of relief. 



WAS IX FLOWER 39 

How long- she is about it! 

Re-enter Jane and Brandon, R. Mary goes to 
dial up C. 

Jane 

Up C. Bus. Pause, leading Brandon toward 
Alary. 

If Master Brandon has offended, he humbly 
sues for pardon, 

Mary 

L C, laughing as she turns frankly. 

Dear Jane, it is not Master Brandon who 
should sue for pardon, it is I, for I w^as wrong, 
forgive me. sir. I blush for what I said. 

She offers him her hand. He drops upon his 
knees and kisses it. 

Brandon 

R. C, kneeling. 

Your Highness can well afford to offend since 
you make such generous amends. 

Mary 

A pretty compliment, but }'our rebuke was bet- 
ter! 

She withdraws her hand reluctantly as Bran- 
don releases it. 



40 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

R. C. Jane moves up to sun dial. 
What answer shall I carry to the Queen ? 

Mary 

C. 

Nay, there is no haste — let the Queen wait ; I 
am not always found so soon. You have grace 
of half an hour to spare us, and indeed my lady 
Jane and I are anxious at the dance to-night to 
try a new French step, la Volka which — 

She hesitates. Bus. Mary and Jane. Mary 
motions Jane to come down. Jane drops 
down L. C. 

which I have heard — that being from France 
— we thought you might have brought along 
with you, Jane, dear. 

Caskoden enters on terrace. Pushing her to- 
ward Brandon, yet holding her back. 

Will you not dance with Master Brandon ? 

Jane 
No!— I 

Mary 

Aside. 

Say no — 

Bus. Motions Jane to seat by tree where lute is. 



WAS IX FLOWER 41 

Jane 
Nay, let me play ; I have my lute ! 

Caskodeii crosses to tree L. C. She goes to the 
seat- by the oak at L. and seats herself with 
her kite. 

Mary 

To Brandon. 
Yoli know this new dance, sir ? 

Brandon 

R. C 

I was instructed in it at the Court of France! 

He takes off sword, lays it on seat R. Jane 
strikes her lute. 

Mary 

To Caskoden, who crosses to tree L., by Jane 
standing. 

How now ! Master of the dance, here is your 
friend outdoing you ! In your own office ! Hold 
these for me, Jane ! 

Gives letter and parchment to Jane. 

Jane 

Seated by tree L. 
What air? 

Brandon 

R. C 

The ''Sailor Lass" will do! 



42 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 

Oh. I know it well. 

Jane plays, putting letter and parchment beside 
her on the seat. Mary and Brandon dance. 
Caskoden leans on the seat by Jane. 

Brandon 

To Mary. 



Now I will teach your Highness the new dance 



Brandon steps before Mary, takes her right 
hand in his right, puts his arm about her 
waist. Mary draws back, flushes, her head 
erect, blazing with offended dignity. 

Mary 

C. 

Sir ! Release me instantly ! 

Brandon 

R. C, haughtily, as he draws back. 

You wished me to teach you the dance. 

He turns to go. 

I will rejoin the Queen ! 

Mary 

C. 

Stay ! Stay ! I said so, yes ; but then I did 
not know that it was taught that way ! 

She drops her eyes before him 



WAS IX FLOWER 43 

Brandon 

R. C, with a shrug. 
If it displeases you. 

Mary 

C, frankly. 

Oh, no— 

jNIodestly. 

If it is really so they — yon — dance it — with your 
— their arm about my — lady's waist ! 

Brandon 

R. C. 
I should not have ventured otherwise. 

Mary 

Oh ! I fear your modesty will cause you hurt. 
I am beginning to believe that you would dare 
do anything you wish. I more than half suspect 
you are a bold man for all your smooth, modest 
manner ! 

Brandon 

Smiling openly. 

You do me foul wrong, indeed ; I am the soul 

of modesty ; I grieve that you should think me 

bold! 

Mary 

Now I believe that you are laughing at me. 



44 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

At my extreme reserve, 1 suppose you call it. 

Yoii grieve because I think you bold, and yet you 

stand there laughing at me to my very face ! I 

think so more than ever now ! 

Stamping her foot. 

Don't ! You make me angry ! You shall not an- 
ger me and then laugh at me ! 

Stamping her foot as he laughs openly at her. 

Sir ! This goes beyond all bounds ! I will not 
tolerate your boldness another moment ! 

Goes up stage in rage. 

Brandon 

R. C, facing her calmly as her anger fades. 

I crave your Highness' pardon ! Let me rejoin 

her Majesty! 

He turns to go R. 

Mary 

Down to C. 

Master Brandon! A plague upon her Majesty! 

As Brandon is about to exit she follows him. 
Oh, please come back and teach it me. 

She smiles, stepping before Brandon, holding 
out her hands, looking across to Jane. 

Now, Jane, we are ready ! 

Brandon hesitates, bows, puts his arm about 
Mary. They begin the dancing lesson. 



WAS IX FLOWER 45 

Brandon 

Showing Mary, 

A ste|D — thus — One, two three — One, two, 
three. 

Mary 

Lifting the hem of her skirt and placing her 

foot. 

So ? One, two three. 

Looking up at Brandon, leaning upon his arm. 

Brandon 

Showing her. 

No. One, two, three — One, two, three! 

Mary looks shyly at Brandon's face as she 
swings and sways in the first effort to catch 
the step. 

Brandon 
You see ! 

Mary 
Yes ! I think 1 see ! 



Brandon 

A httle faster, please. 

Caskoden 
How like vou mv friend ? 



To Jane. 



46 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 
He has a fearless tongue. 

Brandon and Mary dance. In a moment Mary 
catches the step and dances with Brandon, 
leaning on his arm. 

Mary 

As they dance. 
It is delightful. Jane; it is like flying! 

Jane 
What would the King say,, and the Queen ? 

Mary 
Oh, she would swoon with horror ! 

Brandon 
You tire? 

Mary 

No! No! Once more! How was it? So! 

It's incomparable ! 

Pausing. 

That is, when one can choose one's partner! 

Brandon 
Dare I hope? " 



WAS IN FLOWER 47 

Mary 

Yes, you may hope. It was delightful with 
you. Now are you satisfied, you modest one? 

Frightened at herself, she turns from him, 
Brandon comes down R. C. 

Tell me, sir, is the ship built that takes you to 
New Spain? 

Brandon 

Huskily. 

I should be safer were she weighing anchor 
now ! 

Jane 

Looking off. 

Here's Master Cavendish! 

Enter Cavendish, R. 

Mary 

Aside to Brandon. 

He always comes at the wrong time! Master 
Brandon, I — 

She turns up C, beckons Brandon, who goes 
up with her. 

Cavendish 

R. 

Your Highness' pardon, but the King desires 
Sir Edwin Caskoden's attendance. 



48 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Caskoden crosses to Cavendish R. C. To Cas- 
koden, who is R. C. 

You are to undertake a mission into France. My 
Lord of Lincoln will instruct you — You leave 
within the hour ! 

To Mary. 

He prays your presence, Madam. 

Caskoden 
Say to his Majesty I come at once. 

Bow to Mar}^ and follow Cavendish off R. I. E. 

Mary 

In pleasant talk with Brandon, up C, walking 
around sun-dial, meets Jane C. Half aside. 

I come not at all. 

Exit Cavendish and Caskoden R. I. 

Jane 

Goes up to Mary. 
To France ! 

Mary 

To Jane, aside to her. 

Don't keep so close to me. 

Takes her down L. C. 

You won't move out of reach of my hand, and 

yet you know how often it inclines to box your 

ears ! 

Aloud, crosses Jane to R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 



49 



Go, Jane; learn what it is that takes Sir Edwin 
into France ! 

Aside to her, crossing to R. 
And, Jane — you need not hurry back again! 

Exit Jane, R. I. E. 

Brandon 

Up C, comes down L. C. 
I may be gone when he returns from France! 
Exit Jane, leaving letter and parchment on seat. 

Mary 

Turning to Brandon. 

You may be gone — so soon — 



Brandon 

L. I. 

I should have gone ere this ! 



Mary 

On his R., near him. Garland business. 

Then you shall tell me now — before you go, 
why you ax'oid me as you do. I thought at first 
I would not ask — would let you go your way, and 
then I thought I w^ould not. There! Tell me, 
is not the King's sister of a quality to please you? 



50 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

Starts to go ; she stops him. 
My duties — 

Mary 

L. C, standing. 

A plague upon your duties! Nay, tell me the 

real truth. Finds the Princess Mary no favor in 

your eyes ? 

Brandon 

L. C, turns, looks at Mary. 
In God's name, Lady Mary, I can not bear to 
hear that from your lips ! 

Mary 

R. C. 
Then tell me the real truth ! 

Brandon 

L. C. 

I can not ! I beg you not to ask ! Leave me, 

or let me leave you ! 

Back to her. He turns away, taking up a book 
from the garden seat at L. C. 

Mary 

In surprise and anger. 
Leave you ! Do I hear arig-ht ! I never thought 
that I — the daughter and sister of a King — would 
live to be dismfssed by a — by any one! 



Your Highness! 



WAS IX FLOWER 51 

Brandon 

Turning quickly to Mary. 
Turning back to her. 

Mary 

Yes ! I will go. 

Up C. 

I will leave you to your book! 

She crosses. 

\Vhy, then, since all will have me Queen of 
France, I will tell Henry now that I am willing! 

Crosses to terrace on steps. 

Brandon 

Following her, book in hand. 
Lad}' ]\Iary ! You know ; you must know ! 

Up to foot of terrace. 

Mary 

On terrace C, turning liack impulsively and 
going to him. 

I don't know, but I want to know ! 

Crosses, turns, leads him to seat by tree. 
You see I am determined to be friends with you ! 

She laughs uneasily, glances at him; he is 
silent. 



52 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Speak, sir ! Put up your book ! You shall treat 

me with the courtesy you'd shoAv a yeoman's 

daughter ! 

Down to R., corner of terrace. 



Brandon 

Crosses to tree L., standing. 
Oh, that you were a yeoman's daughter! 

Mary 

Crossing and sitting on seat at tree L. C. 

But I'm not !, 

Bus. Places her hand on his and pulls him to 
seat at tree. Both seated. 

Come, answer me ; am I not kind ? 



Seated L. 



Brandon 
Kind — yes ; and cruel, cruel now ! 

Mary 
I can be kinder if I try ! 



Brandon 

Reading book. 
Try now ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 53 

Mary 

Bus. on seat. Movement and glances. 

Why I am trvinii:, don't vou see? I am doine 
my very best just now — can't you tell? — if you 
would look at me and not your book. 

She takes the book from- him. 

I'll keep the place ! 

Brandon 
Yes, yes: I think I see, but — be unkind again! 

Mary 

No. Xever. X'ot e\'en to please you. 

Laughing. Her hand upon her heart. 
This is all full of good to-day ! 

Holds face close to his. 

Brandon 

Face close to hers — tempted to kiss. Huskily. 

I warn you ! 

Turns away. 

be unkind again ! 

Mary 

Pouting — moves from him a little. 
Once I was unkind to you, now you have 
grown unkind to me! 



54. WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

Still huskily and looking down. 

No, I am kind to yon ! I shall be less crnel to 
myself when I leave yon and go to the other side 
of the world ! 

Mary 
Yon mnst not go — so far — from Caskoden — 

He looks at her. 
and — and all who care for yon. 

Brandon 

Catching her hand to his lips. 
Oh, if I dared to speak ! 

Kneeling. He kisses her hand passionately. 

Mary 

Withdrawing her hand sharply. 
Master Brandon ! 

Brandon 

Rises, crosses. 
Yonr pardon ! I forgot myself ! 

He rises, moves from her, crosses to R. C, 
stops — sits on bench, his face turned away. 



WAS IX FLOWER 



Mary 



DO 



Hesitates, looks at him lovingly, steals to his 
side, and slips her hand in his. 

There it is again if you want it. 
Brandon 

Takes her in his arms. Bus. kissing. 
Want it ! 

He turns to her, looks in her face, 

Mary ! I want you ! You ! You ! Now ! Al- 
ways, mine, my own ! 

He clasps her in his arms, drawing her close 
to him. 

]Mary 

Don't, please don't; please, not this time. Oh, 
have mercy, Charles. Well, there! there! 

He kisses her passionately, then, starting back, 
falls on his knees before her. 

Brandon 

Down on knees. 
Oh, heaven help me now ! 

Mary 

Leaning over him,, pushing the hair from his 
forehead, whispering softly. 

Heaven help us both, for I — I — love you, 
Charles. 



56 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

Rising, crosses to C. 

Don't, don't. Have pity. This is madness ! 
The King's sister ; I a captain in his guard ! Oh ! 
I was mad to speak ! 



Drawing back. 

r the danger from the first. It 
fault. 



I saw the danger from the first. It was ah m\ 



Mary 

R. C. 

There is no fault in any one, for neither could 
I help it ! 

Brandon 

C, taking her in his arms. 

Mary! 

Mary 

Coaxingly. 

Is there nothing that yoii wish to say? 

Brandon 
It is enough to have you here in my arms ! 

Mary 
But I— I— 

Brandon 
Is it something I should say? 



WAS IN FLOWER 57 

Mary 

Nodding her head against his breast. 

You liked to hear me say I — I love you? 

Brandon 

Do you wish to hear me say it, too? I love! I 
love you ! 

Mary 

Nestling close to him, her face hid in his breast. 

Could you, just once — again — before Jane 
comes ! 

Enter Jane and Caskoden, R. I. Brandon goes 
up C. Bus. 

It's only Jane! I told you not to hurry back! 
And Edwin, too ! Come here ! \\'hat is this mis- 
sion? Come, confess, for I shall wheedle Henry 
into telling me? 

Caskoden 

R. C. 

There is no secret. I am sent to take your 
portrait to the King of France, and bring his an- 
swer that shall fix your wedding day ! 

Brandon 

Comes down L. C. 
Wedding day ! 



58 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

C. 

My portrait ! What ! My brother sends it and 

you take it ! 

Caskoden 

R. C. 

Your Highness knows I have no choice — the 
King' s command ! 

Mary 

The King ! the King ! the King ! God save us ! 
Is he the only man in England ! I thought that 
there was loyalty to love and friendship — 

Caskoden 

My lady — 

Brandon front of tree. 

Mary 

Oh, don't speak to me! My portrait! My 
eyes, my teeth, my hair, my skin, my hands ! for 
that old wretch to gloat upon! Thank God, the 
likeness does not flatter me! 

Caskoden 

You know I do not go upon this mission 
willingly. 



WAS TX FLOWER * 59 

Brandon 

Crosses up L. C. to dial. 

Oh, Caskoden! 

Caskoden 

R. C. 
We part friends. Lady Mary ! 

Mary 

Yes ! Upon condition that you tell the King of 
France that I am hideous ! 

Caskoden 

R. C. 
I should be perjured ! 

Mary 

C. 

You are not Master Brandon, therefore you 
may fib! My temper, you need but tell the sim- 
ple truth of that — it will suffice ! 

Earnestly. 

Oh, make me hideous to him ; heap all deformi- 
ties upon me. Leave me no trace of beauty, 
shred of wit, no patch of virtue, no little merit 
in men's eyes; say what you will, I care not; only 
dissuade him, leave me free ! 

Caskoden goes up C. and then down R. to Jane. 



6o WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 

R. C, crosses up to foot of terrace. 
The Duke of Bucking-ham ! 

Mary 
The devil ! 

Brandon 

Crosses from L. to R. U. C 

Sir Adam Judson. 

Mary 
His bleak face freezes me! 

Enter Judson, Buckingham, R. I. Brandon goes 
up C. 

Buckingham 

R. C, advancing. 

Your Highness will pardon me if I repeat the 

message of the Queen which Master Brandon 

surely has forgot. 

Mary 

L. C, with dignity. 
That I should join her Majesty? 

Buckingham 

Her Majesty has waited for her laggard mes- 
senger an hour ! 



WAS IN FLOWER 6i 

Mary 

Startled. 
One hour ! 

Running to dial, looks at Brandon. 

Ten minutes ; twenty at the most ! One hour ! 

Impossible ! 

She looks at the Hal. 
One hour ! 

To Page. 

One hour! Jane! We will go together! 

Turns back. 

Master Brandon, I am sorry to have kept you 
from your duty! Come, Jane! Why do you 
always keep me so ! One hour ! 

Exit Mary and Jane, running R. As they exit 
Brandon looks after ]\Iary. Buckingham 
crosses to L. C, gets parchment. 

Brandon 

Aside to Caskoden, R. U. C. 

Oh, Caskoden, she is perfect! I can not live 
near her and live without her ! Shall I forget 
her even in New Spain? 

Exit Brandon and Caskoden, R. I. E. As he 
speaks Judson and Buckingham advance to 
the seat at L. Judson sees the green parch- 
ment and letter where Jane has left them ; 
takes them up. Jane re-enters on terrace, sees 
them. 



62 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

JUDSON 

L. C 

What's here? Now, by my honor, 'tis one of 
Master Groiiche's famous green parchments ! 

Unfolding it. 

And a letter signed ''Charles Brandon." 

Buckingham 

The Lady Mary's ! 

Taking letter. 

This will make rare sport. No woman goes to 

Gronche's house for witchcraft only ! You heard 

the King! If Henry knew of this she would not 

coax him from the French alliance. She shall 

buy it back at some sweet price. Since she'll not 

give her favors, she shall sell ! 

L. C. 

ril drive a bargain with her for these pretty 
wares ! Come, Judson, give me the parchment ! 

JUDSON 

Nay! You have the letter! A fair division! 
What do you ofifer? 



WAS IX FLOWER 63 

Buckingham 
A hundred pounds ! 

JUDSON 

I take you ! 

Re-enter Brandon and Caskoden. 

Brandon 

Advancing. 

Stay, sir! It is the Lady Mary's. She shall 
ha\-e it back unopened and unread ! 

He takes the paper from Judson as Judson 
holds it out to Buckingham. 

Buckingham 

L. C, movement, surprised. 
How, sir! 

Judson 

C. 

Nay, cousin ; give me lea\'e. Let me discover 
by what right he makes himself the lady's cham- 
pion ! 

Brandon 

R. C. 

The parchment, you hound ! The parchment ! 



64 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

JUDSON 

Perhaps it was this gentleman her Highness 
went to meet at Gronche's house. 

Puts the parchment in his breast. 

Brandon 

You dog ! You die for this ! 

Caskoden moves to foot of terrace. He springs 
upon Judson, chitching him by the throat, 
then throws him off. 

Draw, or I strangle you ! 

JUDSON 

R. I. 
Fool ! I see that I must teach you the same 
lesson that I taught your brother ! Look to 
yourself! 

Throwing cloak and hat on bench, drawing 
sword. They fight. Engage in C. Judson 
retreats down stage R. Judson attacks. Four 
thrusts — heart, legs, head and heart. Then 
Brandon attacks — shoulder, leg, head and 
heart. Then engage in C. again. After four, 
two parries, Judson cuts at Brandon's head 
and thrusts at shoulder. Brandon guards in 
tierce and ducks down stage R. as Judson 
cuts at head. Engage again in C. for a short 
hard fight. Brandon thrusts at Judson and 
is disarmed by him. Judson makes a thrust 
at Brandon, who has drawn his dagger, par- 
ries thrust with same. They engage in a 
fierce struggle. Finale. Brandon drives dag- 
ger into Judson's throat, same time taking 
parchment from his bosom. Judson falls. 
Caskoden watches eagerly. 



WAS TX FLOWER 65 

JUDSON 

Parrying. 

Can you do better ? 

Brandon 

Laughing at Judson. 
You weaken, Lll kill you like a dog. 

Over R. I., to Caskoden as they fight. 

He wears a shirt of mail ! 

To Judson. 

Assassin ! ^lurderer ! It shall not save you now ! 

Your throat ! 

Judson 
God! 

They fight desperately. 

Caskoden 

Up on terrace. 
The King! The King! 

Buckingham 

Seeing Judson is losing ground. 

Ho there! A guard ! A guard ! 

Enter Courtiers. As he cries Brandon runs 
Judson through the throat ; Judson falls. 
Brandon takes parchment from Judson's 
breast. 



Caskodien 

Looking off. 



The King! 



66 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Buckingham 

L. C. 
j\Iy kinsman ! This shall be accounted for ! 

Caskoden comes down quickly, picking up Jud- 
son's sword. 

Caskoden 
Come, Brandon. 

Drawing him away to R. 

Brandon 
Nay. I stand my ground ! 

Caskoden 

R. C. in front of terrace. Urging Brandon. 

It must be told ! The King must know the 

cause! It was his sister's honor that bespoke 

your sword ! 

Brandon 

R. 

What, friend ! You would not have me turn 
informer, tell of Grouche ! It might cost her the 
King's favor ! Condemn her to this French al- 
liance ! She shall not go to France for me ! You 
must not speak ! 

Crossing Caskoden to extreme R. Enter Henry, 
with Courtiers, De Longueville, Cavendish, 



WAS IX FLOWER . 67 

everybody used in opening of act. Bucking- 
ham goes to Henry. Judson is surrounded by 
attendants and borne away L. 

Buckingham 

L. C. 

Sire ! Sire ! Look ! Sir Adam Judson, my 
kinsman, has but this moment breathed his last! 



Henry 

Crossing to R. C. 

Sir Adam Judson dead ! 

Buckingham 

Aye, sire, slain by Charles Brandon, ere he 

could defend himself ! 

Brandon and Caskoden R. I. 

Henry 

R. C. 
The cause of this ! 

Buckingham 

L. C. 
An insult Brandon [Drut upon him. 

Hesitating. 

A quarrel over women ! 

If 

Caskoden 

R. I. with Brandon. 

Nav, sir ! An honorable duel ! 



68 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Buckingham 
A murder, sire. I ask for justice! 

Henry 

Nay, nay, I can not spare him to your grace. 
You ever quarrel with my friends ! 

Buckingham 

Aside to Henry. 

Your pardon, sire; you seek a deeper reason 
for your sister's hatred of this French ahiance 
than her wilfulness. 

Henry 

What has my sister's wilfulness to do with 
Brandon ! 

Buckingham 
She loves already, sire ! 

Henry 
Loves whom ? 

Buckingham 
This ready swordsman ; this Charles Brandon ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 69 

Henry 
My lord ! 

Buckingham 

The whole court gossips of the open prefer- 
ence she shows him ! Letters have passed be- 
tween them ! — 

Henry 

God's death ! Impossible! Brandon? A com- 
moner ! She is my sister, a princess of the blood 
royal ! Give me but proof of this and he is yours ! 

Buckingham 
This letter, sire! 

Bus. for Brandon. 

Henry 

C, glancing at letter. To Brandon. 

What say you, sir. 

Brandon is silent. 

The cause ! 

Brandon 

R. C, to Henry. 

I will not speak ! 

Henry 

A guard ! Let him be taken ! 

To Buckingham. 

I give him up to you ! 



70 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Caskoden 

R. I. 

Sire! Sire! 

The guard enters ; as they approach Brandon 
he gives the green parchment, unobserved, to 
Caskoden. 

Henry 

To Caskoden. 

You, sir ; to France ! You know my sister's 

beauty ; dwell on that. 

To guards, who enter L. 2. 

To Newgate ! 

Pointing to Brandon, he goes up C. 

Brandon 
The Princess ! She must be warned ! 

Aside, giving parchment to Caskoden. 

Caskoden 

Have no fear. You have a friend at Court 
who will not let you sleep at Newgate many 
nights. 



Your sword, sir. 



Officer 

To Brandon. 



My friend ! 



WAS IN FLOWER 71 

Brandon 

Clasping Caskoden's hand. 



Exit Brandon, guarded, L. 2 E. As Brandon 
exits L. 2, Wolsey advances R. U. Exit 
Caskoden R. 



Wolsey 

On platform C. Henry crosses to R. 

Her Majesty the Queen ! 

Henry 

She must have seen my sister by this time. 

Enter Queen Catherine from R., followed by 
several ladies on terrace — comes down steps, 
crosses to Catherine. 

Henry 

Turns to Catherine. Wolsey to L. C. Bus. of 
bowing to Buckingham and De Long. 

Turning to her. 

Well, Kate, I hope the hussy kept a civil 
tongue. Will she have Louis — yes or no ? 

Catherine 

No — the minx ! The vixen ! 

Down to L. I. 



J2 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 
What? 

Catherine 

She would not Hsten to me, sire^ — laughed in 
my face ! Mocked me before my ladies ! Called 
me vile names ! The jade ! ! 

King moves down. 

Henry 
What say you ? Is it so she takes it ? 

Catherine 
I shall be glad when she is out of England. 

Henry 

L. C, to Courtiers. 
I'll learn what breeds this contradiction in her 

_rii_rii_ 

Turning to Wolsey. 

You question her, my lord ! Sound her upon 
this matter ! ! Come ! We'll seek the hussy now. 

All exit, murmuring as they exit, following 
Henry ofif L. 3 E. At exit Buckingham turns 
back and pauses before the terrace, R. i E. 

Buckingham 

Not said to audience. 

If she sees Henry now, she'll tell him that they 



WAS IN FLOWER 73 

fought for her. Brandon will rise in favor. All 
will come to naught ! The Princess ! 

jNIoves with dignity to seat in terrace. Mary, 
Caskoden and Jane enter upon the terrace, 
Caskoden descending the terrace steps with 
]\Iary and Jane, but pausing at the foot of the 
steps, so that the brief scene is played with- 
out Caskoden's observing Buckingham, who 
is down R. ist E. 



Mary 

The green horoscope in her hand. 

He fought for me with Judson ! Judson dead, 

and he a prisoner? Newgate! All to shield my 

name ? 

Looking off. 

And they have taken him and wounded, say you ? 
Wounded ? 

Caskoden 

C. 
But scratches ! ! 

Enter Cavendish L. i. 

Cavendish 

To Caskoden. 

Sir, you are waited for. You must set out at 

once ! 

To L. C. To Mary. 

The King desires your presence, Madame. 



74 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Caskoden 

L. C, to Cavendish. 
I follow instantly. 

Mary 
I will not budge. 

Exit Cavendish L. i. 

Caskoden 

To Mary. 
I leave him to your care. His life is in your 
hands. Tell the King all ! ! 

Mary 
He shall be free to-night, I promise you. 

Caskoden 
Farew^ell ! 

Kneels and kisses her hand. Exit Caskoden 
L. 2. 

Jane 

li you should tell the King that you have been 

at Grouche's house it would cost your happiness 

and his ! ! 

Mary 

CHnging. 

Cost what it may, Charles Brandon shall be 
free to-night. 

She takes a step toward R. Pauses, hesitating. 



WAS IX FLOWER 75 

Jane 

Vou will be sent to France for punishment. 
Find other means ! 

Mary 

Jane! Jane! What shall I do? 



Jane 

Seeing Buckingham. 



His Grace of Buckingham ! 



Crosses back of Mary. 



Buckingham 

Rising and advancing to R. 



Can I serve your Highness? 



Mary 



My lord, an outrage! Charles Brandon has 
been arrested. I can not bear that he should 
spend one night in prison ! It is not for myself, 
but Caskoden and Jane; they love him so, and 
Caskoden is gone!! Oh, if the King refuses to 
release him, they will hate me!! I shall hate 
myself. What can I do? Oh, my lord, if you 
have ever called me friend — have ever loved me — 
aid me now. 



76 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Buckingham 

Crosses C. 

You need not ask this favor of his Majesty. I 
have some power in London. The keeper of 
Newgate is my friend, — his escape must be se- 
cret. The King- must never know ! ! Will you 
entrust his freedom to my hands alone? 

Jane to R. C. 

Mary 

C. 
Yes, yes ; oh, follow him, my lord. 

Buckingham 

Kneels. 
I am your Highness' slave! 

Rises — crosses C. 

Mary 

Pausing. 

I only ask of you some sacred pledge you will 

not fail me now. 

Enter Wolsey L. U. 

Buckingham 
My knightly word. 

Mary 



Enough ! 



She gives him her hand ; he kneels and kisses 
it. Buckingham exits L. 2 E. 



WAS IX FLOWER yy 

Mary 

Over to L. 
God Speed yon, sir. 

As Buckingham exits L. I., Wolsev comes down 
R. C 

WOLSEY 

C. 

Your ro}^al brother prays your presence, Ma- 
dame. He is ill pleased that yon should show 
so high a temper to the Queen. He is deter- 
mined upon your speedy marriage with the King 

of France. 

Crosses to L. C. Jane comes to Mary. 

Mary 

Crosses to C. 

Jane, do you hear him ? W'hat ! ! Will he 
drive me out of England with his marriages? 
Come ! ! Where is my brother ? I will see him ! 

WOLSEY 

L. C. 

Your Highness must not see the King in such 
a temper ! ! 

Mary 

Temper, say you ? Temper ! ! 

Crosses over to R. C. 



78 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane, do you hear him? Look, Jane! ! Am I not 

calm and I not smiHng even ! ! 

To Wolsey. 

I am not oil, sir, like a Bishop! I come not of 
your lordship's greasy genealogy ! Where's 
Henrv ? 



Why did not Heniy — 
come himself? 

WOLSEY 

Well. I think he was afraid. 

Mary 
The coward ! ! 

WOLSEY 



Goes up. 
Down. 



C. 

Goes up C. 



His Majesty could not have given me a task 
less to my liking. But he has been determined 
upon this alliance since it was mentioned by De 
Longueville. 

Mary 

L. 

Was it that bead-eyed little mummy who pro- 
posed it? 



WAS IX FLOWER 79 

WOLSEY 

L. C. 

Yes, and if you marry Louis, you can repay 
him and with usury ! ! 

Mary 

'Tis an inducement, by my troth; there, Jane, 
there is an argument ! ! 

\V0LSEY 

L. 
I will confess to you I think it an outrage to 
force }'ou to marry such a man, but how can we 
avoid it? 

Mary 

Have no fear of that my lord ; I'll show you ! ! 

Crosses to Jane. 
WoLSEY 

Nay, you do not know your brother ; you can 
not dissuade him from his purpose; you must 
obey the King ! ! 

Mary 

Obey the King? Because God gives me a fat 
brother shall I grow lean in France? I'm no 
such fool ! ! 



8o WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

WOLSEY 

Louis is old and very feeble. 

Mary 

To Jane. 

Faith ! ! God save us ! ! A nice husband he 
would choose for me. 

WOLSEY 

He can not live a year ! Consenting now the 
King, your brother, promises to allow you to 
choose your second husband for yourself. 

Mary 

My second husband — do you hear him, Jane? 
I tell you, sir, I'll have but one and him of my 
own choosing ! ! Jane ! ! A second husband ! ! 

To Wolsey. 
I'll not speak to you ! ! 

WOLSEY 

It rests between your Highness and your royal 
brother. Your Highness, what answer shall I 
carry to the King? 



WAS IX FLOWER 8r 

Mary 

Carry this answer to the King!! That I will 
see him and the whole court sunk in hell before I 
marry Louis of France. That is my answer! 
Never ! ! Never ! ! Never ! ! 

CURTAIN 



82 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 



ACT II 



Scene : Mary's apartments in Bridewell House, London, 
l^he scene shows a very richly furnished room, set rather 
shallow, with doors R. and L. A window at L. U. E. At C. 
steps lead up to two great doors, which, when they are 
opened, disclose Mary's high bed, its great carved posts 
crowned with plumes and supporting heavy draperies of 
embroidered velvet. Before these doors hang heavy cur- 
tains, which can be drawn across to cover them. A table is 
down R., with writing materials upon it. A frame for em- 
broidery at L. Upon the table a large pile of heavy books 
and maps. 

Discovered : At rise of curtain Anne Boleyn enters from 
R., carrying a large book, which she places on the table at R. 



Anne 

Reading the title R. of table. 

Voyages to New Spain. 

Looking at other books on table. 

The New Indies — New Spain — New Spain — 
New Spain, and nothing 1)nt New Spain ! Not 
even a prayer book — only maps and these : she 
gives not on thought to her bridal go\\'n. 

Jane enters through bedroom. 



WAS IX FLOWER 83 

Jane 

L. 
Anne Boleyn, have you fetched the book? 

Crosses to chair L. 
AXXE 
Takes large book and places it C. of table. 

"W'eH, I wish her Highness' joy of it — it weighs 

a good ten pounds. 

Going to Jane, crosses to L. C. 

\M'ien will her Highness have in the tailors to 
take her measures for her bridal robes . 

Jane 

HoW' should I know? Your mind is too much 
given to vanity. 

AXNE 

L. C. 

Thev say she hates old Louis, declares she will 

not wed him. Why? Ld take a king if he were 

twice his age. and fierce enough to chop my head 

off. 

]\rary enters through bedroom and down steps. 

Ld like to be queen. 

Crosses to R. with queenly dignity. 



84 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

C. 

A queen? I'll tell Henry. Perhaps he will 
send Catherine home to Spain and marry yon. 



Anne 
I wish he would. 

Mary 
Anne, you're a fool ! 

Anne 
I have fetched the book. 



R., bus. with chair. 



R. of table R. 



Mary 

R. C, takes up book. 
Then you may go and idle where you will. 

Anne 

Going to door R., turns back. 

My lady, may I see when the tailors come to 
take the measure for your bridal robes ? You 
promised me. 

Mary 

I promise you shall know it when they come. 



WAS IX FLOWER 85 

You'll hear of it. There will be stir enouo-h, I 
warrant. Set your heart at rest. 

Anne 

I would not miss it for the world. 

Exit Anne Boleyn R. 2 E. 

Mary 

Jane crosses to Mary. 

The minx ! I think she envies me and wants 
to be a queen. 

She takes the book and opens it ; leans with her 
elbows on the table, looking down on the 
page. 

See. here's another map, Jane. See ! That's new 
Spain, this England, this the sea. Oh, Jane, how 
much sea lies between our little England and this 
land Charles Brandon chooses for his home. 

As she reads. 

A very strange place, Jane. It says the people 

feed on nuts. The women go about dressed up 

in feathers — 

Pausing. Jane turns and crosses to L. C. 

Feathers? I would that [Master Brandon were 
not going to this place. 



86 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 



Closing the book. Jane sits L. C. and em- 
broiders. 



I will not read, not now. 



She draws the pen and paper to her. Jane is at 
the embroidery. ]\Iary takes up a pen, dips it 
in the ink, glances at Jane, smiles ; takes let- 
ter from dress. 



Jane 
Oh, Mary! Not another letter? 



]\Iary 
Why not ? 

Jane 

And you will write to him again? 



Mary 

The pen wrote the letter, not Mary Tudor. 
Oh, 'twas a wilful pen that had a heavy heart to 

ease. 

Jane 

L. C. 
The twcjificfh letter, all unanswered. 

Mary 

Rising, crossing to her, kneels. 

Just one other — ^^this one — I promise you no 
more. A curt, short letter — only twenty words. 



WAS IX FLOWER 87 

Jane 

Seated L. 

W'eW, ha\-e your way; perhaps he may deign to 
answer this one. 

AIary 

Reading. 
To Master Brandon : Sir. and dear friend : 

Three times. 
Greeting : I have writ so many letters to you, 
but none ha^xe brought me the great joy of an an- 
swer, until my heart is like to break for missing 
you. and longing for you. I could write on and 
on forever, but it would be only to tell you o'er 
and o'er that my heart is full of you to overflow- 
ing; but you know my lo\'e. and I need not tease 

you with its outpourings. 

Looking up at Jane. 

Ls it too cold and distant. Jane ? 

Jane 

Seated L. 
I should not find thaf fault with it. 

Mary 

Rising, crossing to table. 

This Lll give into the Duke of Buckingham's 
own hands, saying you send it. 



88 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 
I? 

Mary 

So it shall reach him without fail. Now that 
the Duke has set him free he may leave Euglaud 
any day — may even now be gone. 

Writes fast and furiously. Addressing letter. 

Oh, Jane, if he were gone. 

Jane 

Gone without writing you ? 

Mary 

Gone without seeing me. Without ni}- seeing 
him. W^ell, I'll write no more. He cares not if 
he breaks my heart. I'll tear this letter up. 

Jane 
And write another ? 

Mary 
True. 

Smiline. 



But I will rate him well for his nesrlect. \\^as ever 

She writes on. 



woman in such frightful trouble? 



WAS IX FLOWER 89 

Oh, Jane! If he is gone! What shall I do with- 
out him? 

She buries her face in her hands, leaning upon 
the table — prone — as she weeps. 



Jane 

Rises — goes to her back of chair. 
Mary, are you weeping 



D 



Mary 

God's love, what else should she suppose I'm 

Looking up. 



doing 



Jane 

He \\ill not go before he sees you, 

Mary 

Are you sure ? How do you reason it ? 

Jane 
He must come, if he loves you. 

Mary 

But does he love me? 



90 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 

In despair. 
If Edwin Caskoclen were only here! 

Turns from her to L. C. 

Mary 

You love hhn, Jane? I know you do. 

Jane 

Turning away. 
I would not tell him so. 

Mary 

Why not? I told Master Brandon. 

Jane 

You ? 

Mary 

Spoken fast. 

Yes, I. Of course I did! who else? Wliy not? 
It's my royal prerogative. 

Jane 
For shame ! 

Mary 

It was the truth. You know right well it was. 
Oh ! If I only had the chance to tell it him again. 



WAS IX I'LOWER 91 

Page 

Enters R. 

Voiir Highness, his Grace, the Duke of Buck- 
ingham. 

Mary 

Sobbing. 

Who? 

Jane 

The Duke of Buckingham. 

Mary 

Oh. well, let him come in. 

Relief and pleasure ; exit page ; bus. of hiding- 
books. Jane draws the curtains before the 
bedroom doors. 

Hide these books! There! He must not see 
these maps ! 

Jane puts books in chest. Wiping the tears 
from her eyes. 

We shall ha\e news of Brandon now ! \Miat if 

he brings a letter ! 

Jane 

Be cautious ! Do not show vour love ! 

Mary 

He shall not see a sign of it. I can dissemble 
to perfection. You may trust me, Jane. 



92 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Page 

At R. 
His Grace, the Duke of Buckingham. 

Jane up L. Exit page. Enter Buckingham, 
R. ; comes to foot of table R. 

Mary 

C, bowing joyously. 

My Lord of Buckingham, you are right wel- 
come : we see too Httle of your Grace in these dull 

days. 

Aside to Jane. 
I know he has a letter. 

To Buckingham. 

What happy fortune brings you, sir? 
Buckingham 

Down R. 

I have the honor to announce the Queen — your 
royal brother and the court will join her pres- 
ently. 

Mary 

The Queen ? My brother — here — to-day ? 
Tell me, what brings them up to London? 

Buckingham 

Sir Edwin Caskoden has returned from 
France ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 93 

Jane 

Advancing to C. 
Sir Edwin home again ! 

Buckingham 

He bears King Louis' greeting to his bride — 

Bowing. 

Wolsey and De Longueville come with his Maj- 
esty — they banquet to-night ! 

Jane 
Oh, ^Lary! 

Mary 

R. C. by chair. 
]\Iy lord, this is iU news indeed. 

To Jane. 

Oh, a glad day for you, Jane; a sorry day for 
me. 

She turns to table, sees her letter, turns to 
Buckingham. 

But there's another matter, Jane. Caskoden will 
wish to know of his friend. Brandon, whom he 
left to our protection. Ask his Grace of Master 
Brandon, Jane. 

Jane 
Yes. 



94 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Moving to Buckingham. 

Is he well ? How long has he been out of 
Newgate? Why has he not written you? An- 
swered your letters? Does he forget his friends 
so soon? When does he purpose leaving for 
New Spain? We thought perhaps that he might 
come — might wish to see my Lady Jane — to ask 
— of — Caskoden — could he not stay in England 
— till Caskoden could see him once again ? Does 
he send no message ? No letters to — to — Jane or 
Caskoden ? 

Buckingham 

Down R. 

He sends no messages. His escape was secret ; 
his only safety lay in instant flight. He has al- 
ready sailed from Bristol for New Spain. 



Mary 

Front of chair — sits. 

Sailed ! 

Bus. 

Jane 

On knees at chair. 
•My lady! 

Buckingham 
He sailed a week ago. 



WAS IX FLOWER 95 

Mary 

Seated back of table. 

Sailed — a week ag-o — no word — no letter — 
message even — you hear, Jane? Gone! To 
Xew Spain — leaving — Caskoden ! 

Seizing letter from table and tearing it in frag- 
ments. 

And I — I — Yon were a fool, Jane, fool! Fool! 
Fool ! You shall not write to him again. Oh, 
never ! ne\er ! never ! Gone ! 

Crosses L. She tears up the letter in rage and 
disappointment and in tears, and turns an- 
grily as King is announced. Goes to window 
L. U. Looks out. 

Page 

Enters R. 

His Majesty the King! 

Enter King, Wolse}', Cavendish, De Longue- 
ville and Somers, R. Somers remains in 
doorway. Alary casts a glance towards her 
brother, tosses her head, and crosses to win- 
dow at L., singing a snatch of song. 

Henry 

C. 

Sister, the Duke De Longueville brings you a 
bridal present from the king of France. 

Mary 
Does he? Let him take it back again. 



96 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

To De Longueville. 
Speak to her now. 

De Longueville 

Advancing to C. with a jewel case opened in 
his hand. 

Most gracious princess, permit me the honor of 
offering to you, on behalf of my august master, 
this token of his admiration and his love. 

Mary 

L. U., crosses to him. Reaching out her hand 
and taking the necklace, then dashing it on 
the stage. 

Go home and tell your imbecile old master that 

I scorn his suit and hate him ! 

He goes up. 
Hate him ! Hate him ! 

De Longueville 
Mon Dieu ! 

She turns to Wolsey, R. C, back of chair. 
D. L. picks up necklace. 

Mary 

Master Wolsey, you butcher's cur! This trick 

was yours ! 

To Henr}^, who goes R. 

Yon ox had not the wit to think of it. 

Goes up to window. 



WAS IX FLOWER 
Henry ' 



To C. 



Ox, sav vou? Ox? You shall repent this 
day! 

Caskoden 

Without, R. 

Let me pass, let me pass, I must see the King! 

Enters R.. crosses back of table, comes down 
C, kneels. 

Jane 

Sir Edwin's voice. 

Mary 
He, too! 

Henry 

R. C, back to audience. 

What brings you, sir, into my sister's cham- 
ber unannounced ? 

Caskoden 

Kneeling to King. 

Justice, oh. King! Justice for the worst used 
man. and the bravest, truest gentleman in Eng- 
land. 

Henry 

R. C. 
What ? 



98 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Caskoden 

C. 

Sire! Charles Brandon lies in Newgate con- 
demned to death ! 

Henry 
What? 

Caskoden 
He dies at dawn ! 

As he speaks ]\Iar\' advances toward him. 

Mary 
Brandon ! Condemned ? 



Advances — faints. 



W^OLSEY 

Look to her Hip'hness ! 



'fe' 



L. U. C. 



L. U. C. 



Jane 
Oh, Mary! Mary! 

Mary 

Brandon condemned ? 

Caskoden 

C, turning to her. 

Aye, Mary Tudor, Charles Brandon con- 



WAS IX FLOWER 



99 



demned to death, because you forsook him! He 

who set his life at naught to save your honor 

from reproach ! Brandon, whom you abandoned 

to the block ! 

Crossing to L. i. 

Mary 

C. 

\Vhat tale is this you bring to torture me? It 

is false ! He is free ! Gone to New^ Spain ! 

Caskoden 

He dies at dawn ! 

Turns up stage one step. 

Mary 

To Henry. 

Sire! Brother! Is this true? 

To Buckingham. 

My lord, my lord, what does this mean? He is 
free. Speak! Speak! 

Caskoden 

Turns back. 

He lies in Newgate. 

Goes to Jane, L. U. C. 

Henry 

R. C, going up to Mary. 

\Miat has my sister to do with Brandon's fate? 



loo WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

C. 

Oh, sire. It was for me he fought. He risked 
his life — to free my honor from a stain Sir Adam 
Judson would have put upon it. 

Henry 
How say you ? Speak ! 

Mary 

I'd been to Grouche's house^ — He heard me tell 
the tale to Jane the day that we were maying. 
He found the horoscope that Grouche had given 
me, would have defamed me, when Master Bran- 
don came to my defense! Sir Adam Judson fell, 
and for this deed Charles Brandon dies ! Think 
— brother, this was his crime! He sought to 
shield your sister's honor! I demand his life! 

Henry 

Why did you not speak before ? 

Mary 

C. 

Because I trusted to this treacherous Duke of 
Buckingham. 



WAS IX FLOWER loi 

Henry 



What ? 

Mary 



He promised to procure his freedom secretly; 
Id us l3Ut now that 
England to New Spain. 



told us l3Ut now that Brandon was gone from 



Henry 

R. C. To Buckingham, R. Caskoden moves 
up L. 

Mv Lord ! 

Buckingham 

R. 

A jest, sire, my cousin answered with his life! 
As for Charles Brandon, your command out- 
weighed the pledge I gave her Highness ! 

Taking letters from his pocket. 

These letters, given me by the keeper of New- 
gate, will explain why I obeyed you, and why I 
did not pain the Princess with his fate. 

He gives letters to the King. Jane moves to 
* Mary. 

Mary 
My letters, Jane. 



I02 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

Letters to Brandon from my sister? 

Buckingham 
Yes. 

Mary 

My Lord of Buckingham, this shall cost you 
your head. 

Henry 

Up in front of chair. 
Why was he silent at his trial? 

Caskoden 

To back of chair, R. C. 

He chose to die with closed lips rather than 
compromise your sister's honor. 

Mary 

C. 

Brother, he must not pay this service with his 
life? 

Henry 

Looking at letters. 
He shall he free on one condition. 



WAS IX FLOWER 103 

Mary 

Well :^ 

» Henry 

That lie quits England instantly. 

Mary 

Drawing him to table at R. 

He shall go, I swear he shall! The pardon, 
brother, write ! 

Gives him paper, placing the pen in his hand. 

Henry 

As he writes. 
Pardon Brandon! Command him to leave 
England instantly. Take this to Newgate. 

To Caskoden. 

\Mien Brandon is free, tell him to sail for Xew 
Spain, if he sets value on his head. 

Exit Caskoden with pardon, R. Crosses back 
of table. 

Caskoden 
Oh, sire ! 

Henry 

Crossing to L. C, after rising. 

As for you, sister, you go to France at once. 



I04 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

You shall be wed to Louis by proxy with De 
Longueville on Monday week. 

Mary at foot of table, R. 

To-night we banquet ! We shall expect you at 
the board, to pledge the king of Finance. 



Mary 

Kneeling down R. C. 
Brother, I have no appetite. 



Henry 

Silence, I'll not hear another word. Come, 



gentlemen ! 



Exit Henry and all but Mary and Jane, R. The 
scene darkens ; a little rain and wind are 
heard against the window, L. 



Mary 

Oh ! Jane, and I to doubt him ? He could not 
write. What must he think of me? That I for- 
sook him ? Go, Jane, and watch for Caskoden. 
Tell him to bring Brandon here. 



Jane 

C. 
Here to these rooms ? 



WAS IX FLOWER 105 

Mary 

R. C. 
Yes, yes. 

Jane 

I fear he will not come. 

Mary 

He must. Go, or I will seek him out before 

them all. 

Jane goes to door, R. 

Mary 

Up after Jane. 

Go tell Caskoden to bring him — let him say 

these are his lodgings — any lie he will. I care 

not. 

Jane 

At door. 
I'll do my best. 

Exit Jane R. 

Mary 

Oh. to see him! I'd cross oceans! 

Passing her hands across the maps. 

Aye, a hundred times, even, to hear him say he 
hated me! He would not hate me if he had not 

loved me. 

The stage darkens to evening. Enter Jane, R., 
with candles. 

Jane, will he come? 



io6 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 

Back of chair, R. 

Sir Edwin says that Brandon would not hear 
your name — he cursed you, 1>ut he will bring him, 
saying these are his lodgings ! You must plead 
your cause. 

Mary' 
I will ! I will ! 

Mary regards her appearance in mirror, back of 
table, R. C. 

Has a month changed me? I would I had not 
wept so much. Some rouge — no, he shall see me 
as I am — my sorrow^s graven on my face. Am I 
pale, Jane? He will forgive me if I am pallid, 
Jane ? 

Jane 

KneeHng near Mary. 
I know he will. 

Mary 

My eyes, my cheeks, my hair, my teeth, my 
hands, oh, have I any beauty, Jane? A little 
beauty that shall make me dear to him ? 

Page enters R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 107 

Page 

Her Majesty, the Queen ! 

Enter Catherine, R., crosses to L. C, followed 
by several ladies, tailors and attendants, 
bringing in laces, fabrics, embroideries and 
samples of Mary's trousseau, in great rolls 
and bundles. Mary and Jane go up L. C, 
but the Queen enters before they can leave 
the room. 

Queen . 

Crosses to L. C. Advancing. 
Sister, we have brought laces and fabrics. 



Mary 

I will not see them. 

Queen 
Choose what you wish. 

Mary 

I will not have them. 

OUEEN 



c. 



Jane up at curtains. 



L. C. 



Nay, you must do us honor at tlie court (^f 
France. 



io8 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 
Take them away. 

Queen 

The tailors have come to measure you. The 
time is short to make a royal trousseau. 

Mary 

Turning angrily to the Queen. 
I warrant me there will be time enough. 

OUEEN 

L. C. 
Sister, shall they measure you? 

Mary 

Let them look to it if they lay hands on me. 



Queen 




Crosses to table. 


Displaying fabrics. 


These silks, these taffetas. 




Attendants 
Ah! Ah! 

Mary 


Back of table R. 

Comedy effect. 

C. 



Bah ! 



R. C. 



R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 109 

Queen 
This purple velvet. 

Attendants 
Ah! Ah! 

Queen 

See this yellow damask. 

Mary 

Crosses to R. C. Snatching it. 

Yellow ! Wliat a color. And this hateful lace ! 

Throwing parcel down. Jane drops down in 
stool L. 

I would not give it to serving wench ! And 
orange ! — green — and purple. Colors to deck the 
devil out. What shades! I hate them all. Take 
them away! I will have none of them. 

Sweeping table clean, crosses to L. H. Anne 
advances to C. 

Queen 

R. C, to tailors. 
The measurements. They shall be taken now. 

Tailors advance with tape. 



no WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Blazing with wrath, turns upon them. Anne re- 
treats R. I. They retreat to R. 

Shall — say you ? Shall ! I'll take their meas- 
ures. 

Queen 

^ R. C, at table. 

Shall! Shall I say. If I must hold you while 

they measure you. 

To tailors. 
Be at it. Have no fear. 

Goes up stage. 

Mary 

As the tailors advance with tape. 
You wretches ! Varlets ! Villains ! Devils ! 

Driving them back in terror, then turning on 
the Queen. 

Out blackamoor ! Out scarecrow ! Out of my 
chamber instantly ! Out all of you — devils ! 

One of the tailors jumps out of the window. 
First tailor exits R., the second out of the 
window ; all exclaim ; Anne Boleyn clapping 
hands. 

Queen 

Retiring after ladies and attendants, who exit 
hastily like frightened sheep at R. 

Jade! You shall answer to the Kingl 



WAS IX FLOWER iii 

Anne 

R., sorrowfully. 

The trousseau — the trousseau ! 

Mary 

Imp of hell ! I'll hurl you from the window ! 

Hurling frame after Anne. Pursues Anne 
around the room. Anne exits after others, 
screaming. Mary bursts into a fit of weep- 
ing in chair, R. C. 

Jane 

Seated L. C. 

You will soon hate this Brandon. Ah, were he 
hke my Caskoden. 

Mary 

Hold }our tongue I I would not give Charles 
Brandon for a thousand of your Caskodens ! 

Henry 

Off R. 
\\'hat Kate? Not measured yet? 

^lurmurs off R. 

Mary 

The King"! \Miat shall I do? The window. 

Running to window. 



112 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 



Eight feet — it's too high for a jump. 

They retire into alcove where the bed is, clos- 
ing the doors. As the doors are closed the 
King enters with Wolsey. De Longueville 
and Buckingham, followed cautiously by the 
Queen, Anne Boleyn, her ladies, and Somers. 



Queen 
She beat the tailors ! Threatened me. 

Mary 
Quick Jane ! The doors ! 

Henry 

Where is the jade? Where is the baggage? 

All enter. 

Anne 

Listening at the door, C. 

In her l)e(h"oom. sire, with Jane BoHngbroke. 
I hear them whispering. 

Bus. Anne with ear to door — banged from in- 
side. 

Mary 

Within. 
You httle traitor. 

Anne screams, leaves door, crosses R. i., fol- 
lowed by Somers. Bus. 



WAS IX FLOWER 113 

Henry 

Shaking doors. 

Open those doors ! How dare yon slam 

them in my face? Come ont, hussy! — Call in 

the captain of the guards! 

Ad lib. 

Mary 

Call the Lord Chamberlain — it is his office. 

Henry 

Come out, termagant ; open the doors or I ^vill 

beat them in ! Open I say ! 

To attendants. 

Wrench off the doors ! . . . Now then, 
you'll see. She shall hear reason now ! 

Captain and Cavendish go to doors, hi a mo- 
ment the lock is wrenched from the doors, 
the King and all advance up the steps, the 
curtains are thrown back, when Mary is dis- 
covered lying in bed, her clothing scattered 
on the floor, a night-cap on. Jane crouched 
at the foot of the bed. 

De Longueville 

In bed ! Asleep. 

Henry 

God's lo\e — the brazen jade! 



114 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

All 
The Princess ! In bed ! 

Mary 

Come in ! Bring in your friends ! You are all 
welcome ! I am quite ready to recei^'e you, 
though I am not in court attire, as you may see. 

As she speaks she thrusts up her bare arm. 

Henry 
Co\'er that arm, you hussy ! 

Mary 

If you wait a moment, I'll get up. Do not be 
impatient, brother, I will jump out in just a mo- 
ment more. 

De Longueville 

In glee. 
Jump out ? Oui ! Oui ! 

Jane 

With a httle scream she turns to the King. 

I ])eg- your Majesty to go. Go, sire, and I will 
bring her presently. 



WAS IX FLOWER 115 

AIary 
Indeed? Jane Bolingbroke? 

Throwing pillow at Jane, who dodges it, hits 
the King, who catches it. 

I will receive my guests myself wlien they are 
good enough to visit me. I'm coming out! 

The coverlid begins to move. Jane goes to 
foot of bed. Start from all. 



J AXE 

To the King. 

Sire! Sire! 

Ladies R. laugh. Queen checks them angrily 
and sends them ofif ; they exeunt R. 



Hexry 

Draw those curtains. By God, she'll do it ! 
Clear the room ! A shameless wench ! Come, 
gentlemen ! Be quick ! 

They retreat quickly towards the door at R., 
drawing the curtains before the doors at C, 
concealing the bed, }klary and Jane. Exeunt 
all but Henry, Wolsey and Queen. 

By God's name, I swear that she shall many 
Louis, or I will have her whipped to death on 
Smithfield pillory ! 



ii6 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

WOLSEY 

L. C. 
Sire ! A word with you ! 

Mary 
Are you not gone? Shall I come out to you? 

WOLSEY 

Crosses to R. 

We will make our suit again to-morrow. 
Catherine 

Crosses to C. and crosses to R. 

Perhaps by that time she will have risen, the 
baggage ! 

Henry 

Leave her to herself! Come, gentlemen! 

Exit Henry, Wolsey and all. 
Enter Jane, C, watches them off R. 

Mary 

To Jane from C. 
Jane, are they gone? 

Jane 

At door R., opening it. 
Yes, I can hear them on the stairs. 



WAS IX FLOWER 117 

Mary 

As she speaks she advances from between the 
curtains, dressed. 

Thank God! 

Jane 

Oh, Mary! This room — 

Bu^. 

Mary 

Yes, yes, pile up the books. There, draw the 
curtains tight before the bed. Those shppers ! 
Jane, look from the windoAV and see if Brandon 
comes . 

J AXE 

Over at window. 

Yes, Marv, he is mountino- the turret stairs 
now. 

Mary 

Up to C. 

My petticoat. I had not time to put it on again 
— those stockings, Jane. My garters, too — Hide 
everything. 

Bus. of ]\Iary and Jane picking up articles and 
hiding them. Mary has bus. of running back 
to get corsets. 

Oh, Jane, dear. 



ii8 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 
If he sees you he will not come in. 

Exit both, after corset business. As they exit 
Caskoden and Brandon enter at R. Brandon 
pale and haggard ; he sinks into the chair by 
the table at R. Caskoden stands beside him, 
his hand on his shoulder. Beyond the win- 
dow the night deepens ; the wind rises. 

Caskoden 
Come, Brandon ! 

Goes to R. C. and places chair R. C. 

Brandon 

Caskoden, I ne\'er thoug-ht to see your face 
again. When they came for me, I thought it 
was to lead me to the block ! 



Caskoden 
Thank God, I was in time. 



C, near chair 



Brandon 
To-morrow I shall ride to Bristol, as the King 
commands, and take ship for New Spain. 

Caskoden 

C, hand on chair. 

Brandon, then you shall hear me now. The 
Lady Mary is not guilty, as you think — 



WAS IX FLOWER 119 

Brandon 

Caskoden, you are my friend, but if you ever 
speak that name to me again, you are my friend 
no longer ! 

Caskodex 
Oh! 

Brandon 

I was safe enough before that day at W'indsor. 
But from that moment I beheved I possessed her 
love; she was the very breath of life to me. She 
A\-as mine by the grace of God ! Oh, fool ! Fool I 

Covering his face with his hands. 

I trusted her, and she, she left me there to die. 

Caskoden 
She loves you ! 

Brandon 
No ! No ! I am mad no longer. 

Caskoden 
'Twas she who gained your liberty. 



120 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

Aye, when yon came and told the tale, then she 
remembered me. 

Shouts and laughter. Caskoden goes to door, 
opens it. and closes it again. Distant shouts 
and laughter are heard. Mar}^ at curtain. 

Hark ! Yon hear them now, feasting in honor of 
her betrothal to the king of France ! Felons are 
freed upon such days and beggars fed. God, she 
might throw me crumbs from the royal table, 
w^here she sits, if I would kneel for them. 

As he speaks Alary advances through the cur- 
tains at C, followed by Jane. As he sees 
her, Brandon turns his face away. Mary ad- 
vances slowly with outstretched hands ; she 
pauses, then again advances toward Brandon. 
Caskoden crosses at back to Jane, L. C, kiss- 
ing her hand. 

Mary 
Master Brandon! 

Brandon 
You here? 

Mary 



I am not at the feast to-night. 



He does not answer. 



WAS IX FLOWER 121 

I come a beggar to you for such crumbs — as 3^ou 
may throw to me. 

She half kneels; he checks her with a gesture 
of disdain. 

Brandon 

R. C. 

Nay, do not kneel, your Highness honors me 
too much, but our ways lie far apart. \\'hat can 
one of your rank say to such as I ? A man just 
free from the hangman's noose ! 

Back to audience. 

Mary 

I ha\'e not come to make excuses, only you 
must not think of me so basely after the love that 
there has been between us. 

Brandon 

If you can give your kisses to me, for whom 

you care so little that you can leave him to die like 

a dog, why should I doubt your lips are not for 

e\'ery man ? 

Turns from her. 

Caskoden 

C. Jane drops down L. C. hi protest. 
Brandon ! 



122 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Checking Caskoden with a gesture. Jane goes 
up to window, Caskoden over to her, arrang- 
ing cushion. Jane sits ; Caskoden stands by 
her. 

Ah, do you know what that first kiss meant to 
nie. Had I possessed the crowns of all the earth 
I would have given them to you as willingly. 
How can you find it in your heart to make of it 
a shame to me, that gift of which I was so proud. 

Brandon is silent. 

I trusted all to Buckingham. He gave his 
knightly word you should be free. He said you 
had escaped and taken passage for New Spain. 

Brandon 

Crosses to C. 
You did well tO' trust my Lord of Buckingham ! 

Mary 

Had I but known. Tell me, at least, you know 
I speak the truth. I would not lie to you, not 
even for your forgiveness — your lo\'e, I was in 
agony — that a\vful marriage! The thought of 
losing you, I might ha\'e borne even that hideous 
marriage — but — but — after that — that hour in 



WAS IX FLOWER 123 

\Mndsor Park. That moment in your arms — 
when you — your h'ps — your touch was hke a 
spark that fell upon a heart of tinder. In that one 
moment the flame burnt up, grew so intense, it 
seemed as if my heart would burst, I wanted you, 
you for my husband. I could not give you up! 
It had gone too far ! I was lost ! Lost ! 

Brandon springs towards her and catches her 
to his breast. Wind. 

Brandon 
Mary ! 

To Jane and Caskoden. 

Care for her, keep her for me when I am gone. 

Jane and Caskoden drop down L. i. 

Mary 
Gone ? 

Brandon 

jMy life is forfeit if I stay! I sail on the first 
ship from Bristol. 

Mary 

Then I shall go with you. 

Brandon 
It is impossible! 



124 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Charles, they have set my wedding day on 

Monday week. 

Brandon 

Yonr wedding day? 

Mary 

If I abandoned you in Newgate I did not know 
your peril. You know my danger, this thing that 
threatens me is worse tlian death. Let me go 
with you. I could bear any hardships, and dan- 
ger, torture, peril, that I shared with you, even if 
I should die upon the way, it would be sweet to 
die with you. 

Brandon 

Takes stage and returns. Stop wind. 

Mary, impossible ! No woman would be re- 
ceived on board of such a ship ! 

Back of Mary. Crosses R. C. 

Besides, you could not pass the palace gates at 
dawn, you would be recognized. 

Mary 

At dawn, then we will go to-night. 



WAS TX FLOWER 125 

All 
To-night. 

Brandon 

Imix>ssible ! 

]\Iary 
A man may i>ass these gates unchallenged ! 

Brandon 
Yes. 

Mary 
A man may ride with you ? 

Brandon 
Yes. 

Mary 

A man may go aboard your ship ? 

Brandon 
Yes. 

Mary 

I'll be a man ! 

Brandon and Caskoden 

A man ? 



126 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 
Your Royal Highness — how? 

Mary 

How? Here's Edwin, thank God he is no 
taller than I am. Edwin shall fetch me one of his 
new suits, cloak and boots and hat. 



Caskoden 
My lady! 



Jane over L. at window. 



Mary 



Not a word ! To your room for them, and let 
your groom have horses saddled at the gate. Say 
you ride out with Brandon and a cavalier, that's 
me. Go ! Be quick ! 

Exit Caskoden, R. 

Brandon 

C. 

If we could reach New Spain. 

Mary 

Then vou will take me? 



WAS IX FLOWER 127 

Brandon 
Yes. 

Embrace. 

My wife! My wife! Oh, an hour ago I was in 
Newgate, desperate. I thought forgotten — to die 
at dawn ! And now I hold you in my arms, with 
all the world wide open and my sword, free to 

* 

win you, or to die for you. 

As he speaks Caskoden enters with clothes — 
double for her dress — upon his arm. 

The horses, Caskoden? 

Caskoden 



They will be at the gate 



At door. 
Goes to ]\Iarv. Bus. with cloak. 



Mary 
My jewels, Jane, my purse. 

Jane exits through curtains. 

I wisli ['d kept old Louis' necklace, now. 

Taking clothes from Caskoden and holding 
them up. 

My trousseau — the latest fashion! Now you 

shall see the sort of a man I'll make. 

Exit Alary, C, followed b}- Jane, through cur- 
tains, with Caskoden's clothes. The rain 
pelts heavily against the window; the wind is 
heard sweeping about the palace. 



128 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

Over at window, L. 

A wild niglit for such a ride! A desperate 

venture ! 

Caskoden 

R. up back of table. 

Our heads may jxiy for it. Yoii are running 
away with a princess of the blood royal ; you are 
carrying off the affianced wife of the King of 
France. 

At door R. enter Jane C. 

Mary 











Heard off. 


Don't leave me. 


Jane, or I shall never 


get them 


on. 




Jane 






Where are 


they 


Appearing 

"3 


at curtains, C. 


What? 




Caskoden 




Down R. 


Mine! 




Jane 




C. 


Yours ? 




Caskoden 




R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 129 

Jane 
Yes. 

Mary 

Heard off. 
Oh, these hateful stockings! 

Caskoden 
Your what? 

Jane 

You do not mean to tell me you've forgotten 
them ? 

Caskoden 

Forgotten what ? 

Jane 
A suit for me. 

Caskoden and Brandon 

For you? 

Jane 

Yes, one of yours. Of course. I can not go 
this way. 

Caskoden 
Go where? 



I30 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 

Stupid ! To Bristol. To New Spain. 

Caskoden 

In front of table. 
You ! And what of nie ? 

Jane 

Aren't you coming, too? 

Caskoden 
That puts a different face upon it. 

Brandon 

My lady, hear the wind — the rain. It will be 
dangerous enough with but one woman. 

Jane 
What? You w^ill not take me? Mary shall 
hear of this. I'll not be left behind. 

Mary 
Jane, will you never come? 

Voices 

In distance. 
The Princess Mary ! Her Highness ! The 
Lady Alary ! 





WAS 


IX FLOWER 




T3I 






Henry 








I'll bring" 


the jade, 
C 


ASKODEX 






Outside R. 


The King! 




Door 


R. 


; locks door. 






JAxNE 






Suppressed. 



To take Mary to the feast! Onick ! In the 

oratory ! 

Exit Caskoden and Brandon, L. 

Mary 

Down C. Bus. belt. 
What is it? They have not gone without me? 

Jane 
No, in the oratory. 



The King- is coming! 



Mary 

The devil take him. 

Jaxe 

What will vou do? 



In a whisper 



132 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

ril go back to bed. 

She disappears behind the curtains. 

Henry 

Heard off R. 

Sister, we wait for you to pledge the king of 

France. 

Knocks on door, R. 

Call the guards! Break in the door! 

Voice 

Off R. 

A guard ! A guard ! 

Mary 

Hurrying. 

Call Brandon. There's no time to lose. 

Jane 

Crosses to L. At door L. 
Come. 

Enter Brandon and Caskoden, L. 

Brandon 

L. C. 
The Oueen and Wolsev are cominsf. 



WAS IX FLOWER 133 

Mary 



Jane, the cloak ! 



Jane passes cloak to ]\Iary; she throws it to 
Brandon. 



Now, into bed with vou. 



C. 

Bus. of putting Jane in bed. Knocking off R. 



Jane 

With me? But Mary — 

Bus. of putting in bed. 

Brandon 



Put out the Hghts. 



To Caskoden. 
Knocking, L. 



Caskoden 

Blowing out the candles up R. 

The guards! The hall swarms with them. 
Brandon, if you are found here it means your 
death ! 

Knocking, L. 

Brandon 

Looks L. 
They come this way. 

Mary 

By the window, then. Follow me, to horse, 

for Bristol and New Spain ! 

Knocking R. and L. 



134 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 
Think you can yet turn back ? 

Mary 

Turn back? Not while my name is Mary 
Tudor. 

Jumping through window, followed by Casko- 
den and Brandon. Noise of knocking heard 
R. and L. and tramp of guards approaching 
door R. as curtain falls. 

Curtain. 



WAS IX FLOWER 135 



ACT III 

Scene: Great room of the Bow and String Tavern in 
Bristol. The scene shows a large wainscoted room, with a 
deep fireplace at R., a great mantel-piece rising above it. 
A door leading out at R. U. E. Steps lead up to a gallery 
that crosses at back. A large table is down L., surrounded 
by heavy chairs and littered with bottles, glasses and the 
remnants of a heavy supper. Before the fireplace at R. is 
a massive arm-chair with a foot-stool. A small table is 
beside the chair. 

At rise it is early morning, before sunrise ; a fire is 
smouldering on the hearth, almost burnt out. Beyond the 
windows it is gray and dull, raining and misty. At the 
table still linger three of the guests of the feast — a priest, 
very drunk, in the great chair at the table's head ; one cav- 
alier asleep, with his arms and head upon the table ; one 
prone on the floor, half under it. Enter landlord. 

Landlord 

By the niass ! What a night ! The storm is 
lifting with the dawn. 

As he speaks, servants enter. Shaking his 
head. Rousing the others. 

It is dayhght, gentlemen. 

First Adventurer 
Daylight ! Curse it, 



Yawning. 

Rise. 

are we in England still ? I dreamed that I had 
landed in New Spain. 



136 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Second Adventurer 

Yawning. 

I dreamed the ship was sinking in mid-sea. 
First Adventurer 

Crosses to C. 

Damn your dreams ! No ship sinks unless it 
carries women. No wenches sail with Bradhurst. 

Second Adventurer 

Nodding as they lead him to the door at L. 

A little sleep — 

Crosses to stairs. 

First Adventurer 

Hitting Second Adventurer on shoulder. 

To dream that you're in hell ! 

Sound of hoofs. Exit Adventurers. 

Servant 

Going to window. 

Two travellers. Master. 

Landlord 

Looking from window. 

Marry ! These be early birds ! 



WAS IN FLOWER 137 

Servant 

Maybe they come to join Captain Bradhurst's 
company. 

Landlord 

Look to their horses — 

Runs, gets lantern, which is Hghted, shows 
Mary and Brandon in, and then blows out 
light, hangs back in door R. 

fine beasts but jaded fearfully. 

Exit landlord and servant. R. Scene brightens 
as sun rises. In a moment re-enter, followed 
by Mary and Brandon, Mary dressed as a 
cavalier, tired, wet, cold and bedraggled by 
the rain. 

Landlord 
Gentlemen, this way. This way, gentlemen! 

Brandon 

Supporting Alary on his arm, where she leans 
with closed eyes, worn out. 

Wine, host, and quickly! My friend faints 

from weariness. 

Mary 
No, no, I — 

Brandon 

A hard night' in the saddle. 



138 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 
Lord ! 

Rubbing her knees. 

Brandon 

Prepare two rooms — your best ! — Get break- 
fast on the fire. 

Landlord 

Bringi.ng wine from table, L. 

Your pardon, sir, but every room is taken — 

The wine ! — 

Mary 

Drooping in Brandon's arms. 
Oh, Lord, then let me he here on the floor! 

Brandon 

With glass. 
Drink this ! 

Landlord 

Apologetically. 

Captain Bradlnirst, of the Royal Hind, and 
twenty gentlemen passed the night here. The 
tardiest just now reeled off to bed. 



Mary 
To bed ! 

Drinking. 



WAS IN FLOWER 139 

iind I — I am so wet — so cold. 

Servant runs across stage to blow bellows on 
fire. 

Brandon 
More wine ! 

Placing Mary tenderly in the seat before the 
fire at R. 

Your own room, host. Let it be given him. 

Landlord 

Staring at Mary. 

It may be managed. Sir. Is — he — ill ? 

With great concern. 

Mary 

111 ? Say dead and buried ! 

Brandon 

Only faint and very tired — Poor lad! 

Patting Mary. 

W1ien does this vessel weigh anchor for New 
Spain ? 

Landlord 

When the tide rises, sir. You go with Cap- 
tain Bradhurst's Company? 



I40 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 
Yes. 

Landlord 
And the young — gentleman ? 



Brandon 



He goes with me. 



Landlord 

Moving to door, then pausing. 
Waht will yoin* honors have for breakfast? 

Mary 

Lifting her head, revived by the wine. 

Breakfast ! 

Landlord 

Your order, sir. 

Mary 
I'm famished ! 

Brandon 
Some eggs, you have them? Bacon — 

Landlord moves to door. 



WAS IX FLOWER 141 

Mary 

A roast, too — 

Landlord moves. 

a leg of lamb — 

Landlord moves. 

some ribs of beef — a pate — and a fowl, some ale, 
white wine, and burgundy, a cheese, and tarts, 
puddiu! 



'g- 



That's enough, 



Brandon 

Putting hand up to Mary's mouth. 
Takes glass from ^I. 



To landlord. 



Mary 
Bring everything ! 

Landlord 

What appetites! 

Mary 
Has he gone ? 

Brandon 
Yes, love. 

He kneels by her, chafing her hands. 

Mary 

On bench in front of fire. Putting her arms 
about Brandon and drawing him down to her, 



Exit landlord R. U. 



To Brandon. 



142 WHEN KMGHTHOOD 

that she may rest her head upon his breast 
Hke a tired child. 

I fear I make a poor uiaii, Charles. I am so 
tired, 1 ache all over so — 

Brandon 

On stool at bench. 
I was a wretch to bring you. 

Mary 

You. I never cared how hard the rain fell, or 
the bitter wind — or all the splashing mud — and 
the black night, when I could draw my horse up 
close to yours and reach my hand to touch yours 
in the dark — or when you spoke to me. 

Brandon 
My own brave girl. 



Mary 
Oh, Charles. 



She weeps. 



Brandon 
Then you don't repent, that you are here? 

Mary 
Repent! I'm no such fool, but just let me 

be a woman for five seconds. 

She weeps. 



WAS IX FLOWER 143 

Brandon 

\\'liy do you weep? 

Mary 

\Miy. from joy, of course; what else? From 
sheer joy and just a Httle aching here. 

Both sit. Rubs legs. 

We ha\e escaped them. Think of Henry's rage. 
I shall not he the wife of Louis — but your wife. 

Brandon 

I fear, I fear. 

Mary 

What ! frowns, and doubt again. No, no. Wq 
have outwitted them. We are safe. Henry will 
never know — and bv to-nio"ht — • 

Brandon 

It is not the King whom I dread, but Buck- 
ingham and Wolsey. They will be quick to find 
the truth — pursuit will be on foot. 

Mary 

We have the start of them, and once at sea — 

Tapping sword. 



144 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

and you forget, sir, that I wear a sword. 

Crosses to C. 

Brandon 

Still sitting. 

Were we at sea. Had we met Bradhurst — 

He looks at Mary. 



That ordeal past — 



Mary 



WHiat is the matter? What is wrong with me? 



Brandon 

Yon are perfect — for a woman. But for a 

man — 

He shakes his head. 

You might as well hang a placard round your 
neck for all to read — this is a woman. 

Mary 

How can that be sir? This is a man's doublet 
— and this hat. It becomes me, does it not ? 

Brandon 
Ah, ves. 



WAS IX FLOWER 145 

Mary 

Well, that's no fault of mine! — and these 

boots — 

Pulling them up. 

that the rain trickled into — Caskoden's — and now 
you tell me I am not a man. Oh, I wish I were 
as big and round like Henry. 

Crossing to table. Chair bus. 

Brandon 

Shaking his head. 

1 would not have you less a woman for the 
world. If only Bradhurst and his men were 
blind. The jack boots — hide your feet — but 
there's the hose and doublet. 

Mary 

Oh, please don't. 

She wraps the cloak about her. 

I can't endure to have you look at me. 

Enter landlord and servant, bearing a great 
tray with breakfast steaming on it. He places 
the tray upon the table beside the chair. Both 
bustle to arrange table. 

Brandon 
I can not keep my eyes from you. 



146 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 
There is the breakfast ; look at it. 

Brandon crosses to R. 

Landlord 

Yonr room is ready, sir. 

Moving away. 

Brandon 

Looking at tray, lifting covers, etc. 
Whv, fellow, is this all ? 



Mary 
What ! fellow, is this all ? 

Landlord 



All! Enough to feed a regiment. 



Swaggering. 



Brandon 

To landlord. 

Tell Captain Bradhnrst that two gentlemen 
have just arrived who wish to join his company. 



WAS IX FLOWER 147 

Mary 

Swaggering. Hitting table with sword. 

Tell Captain Bradhurst that two g-entlemen 
liaxe arrived who wish to join his company. 

Crosses to L. C. 
Landlord 

He shall he told, sir. This door leads to the 

room — 

Opening door at L. 

My own. Bnt as the ship weighs anchor soon 
ni not turn down the sheets — 

Landlord and servant exit R. 

Brandon 
Lady Mary. 

Mary 

Seated back of table. Eating. 

Why do you call me Lady Mary? You called 
me — Mary — once. 

Brandon 

Seated R. of table. 
Because vou are alone. 



148 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

You need not — always — be so formal. 

She leans across the table, kissing him. 

Brandon 

Oh, no, not when you are all mine. 

Mary 

Chokingly. 

I want to be yours, the moment we have fin- 
ished breakfast we must find a priest. I am so 
tired of being Mary Tudor. I want to be just 
Mary Brandon all my days. Come, let's go now. 
we can have breakfast afterward. 

Rises, crosses to C. 
You want me, don't you, Charles ? 

Brandon 
Mary, my love. 

Mary 



Well, then — I'm readv, sir. 



Brandon 



Puts on hat. 



What would the priest say to that dress? Ah 
We must be patient till the ship weighs anchor 



WAS IX FLOWER 149 

then trust the chaplain who sails with her to 

marry 11 s. 

Mary 

With unconscious pathos. 

It leaves more time for breakfast anyway. 

Sits again. 

Brandon 

* 

Tears, Mary? I was mad to let you share a 
fate as black as mine. 

Mary 

Have courage, you must not fear. Think what 
failure means — that I should never be your wife. 
I thousiht to marrv Louis would be worse than 
death, but I have found a pain more poignant 
still. I thought of some other woman having 
you to herself — I could see her with you— and I 
am — what do you call it ? 

Brandon 
Jealous. 

Mary 

Yes, jealous — I could not endure it — you must 
swear to me — 



150 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 
You have spoiled every other woman for me. 

Mary 

Oh, Charles — then I am happy. 

First Adventurer heard singing L. U. 
I hear them coming now. 

Brandon 

Go to your room. I'll tell them you are ill; 
then, at the last moment, muffled up, we'll take 
you to the ship; when we are well at sea I'll make 
a clean breast of it. Tuck up those wilful locks 
beneath your hat, pull down the hnm, do not stir 
out till I shall call you — quickly! they're here! 

Mary 

Kisses Brandon. Pulls up her boots, cocks her 
hat on the side of her head, swaggers up to 
Brandon threateningly. 

Now, sir, who says I'm not a man. 

She kisses him, laughs, and, snatching up a bite 
of chicken, exits into R. As Mary exits 
Brandon turns to meet Captain Bradhurst, 
cavaliers and sailors, who enter with him at 
L. Bradhurst crosses to fireplace L. Cav- 
aliers and sailors go R. around table. 



WAS IX FLOWER 151 

First AdvExXturer 

Enter from L. U. 
\\'ine here? 

Second Adventurer 

Coming down stairs. 
Another tlirow of dice. 

First Adventurer 

At window up. 
Fill ruined ! 

Second Adventurer 

Crosses to table L. 
There's the new world yet ! 

F'iRST Adventurer 

At window. 

A plague upon the wind, another cahn ! Are 
we bewitched ? 

Bradhurst 

L., to Brandon. 
So, sir, you wish to sail on the Royal Hind? 

Brandon 

Crosses to C. 

Yes, Captain Bradhurst: and my friend, a 
young nobleman, who goes with me. 



152 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Br AD HURST 

L. 

You will enlist as part of the ship's company, 
exempt from sailor's work. In case of fighting- 
yon must do your part. 

Brandon 

You will not find me wanting, sir. 

Taking out purse. 

The passage money ? 

Bradhurst 
Twenty crowns apiece. 

Brandon 
A cabin for my friend. 

Bradhurst 
Another twenty. 

Brandon 

The sum. 

Second Adventurer 
He travels like a prince. 



L. C 



WAS IX FLOWER 153 

First Adventurer 

Coming down steps, crosses to L. 

Is lie of the blood royal? Have we the heir 
a])parent witli lis ? 

Second Adventurer 
A pretty thing to set up rank among us ! 

Brad HURST 

He pays ! 

Crossing R. and up C. 

First Adventurer 
\\V11 have his gold from him at dice. 



Brandon 

To Bradhurst. 
When do you sail ? 

Bradhurst 

C. 

\\dien the wind rises. 

At window, looking off. 

There goes a puff across the bav. 

To C. 

Let all report aboard the ship at once. If this 
wind holds we shall weigh anchor in an hour. 

* To officer. 



154 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Summon the Company for inspection. 

To Brandon. 
Call A'onr friend. 



First Adventurer 
Yes, let us see this pet of fortune. 

All 
Aye, aye, let us see him ! 

Brandon 



R. C. 

To others. 



To Bradhurst. 



My lord is ill, and begs to be excused inspec- 
tion. 

Bradhurst 

111, say you? Then let him stay ashore! He 
shall have his money back ! My ship's no hos- 
pital ! 

Sailors all murmur. To officers. 

If his lordship is too ill to bear inspection see that 
he does not come aboard. 

Officer 
Aye, aye, sir. 

Second Adventurer 
Aye, aye! 



WAS IX FLOWER 155 

First Adventurer 

Let him stay ashore — 1 warrant we have to 
say prayers for him before we quit the harbor. 



Brad HURST 
Fie shall not sail with us ! 



C. 



Brandon 

Stay, gentlemen, Fll call my friend. 

He crosses to door at R. Calls. 

My Lord! You are wanted for inspection. 

Bradhiirst sits at table R. The cavaliers and 
sailors gathered round him expectantly. 

First Adventurer 

L. C. 

ill, is he? Homesick, Fll wao"er. 

Second Adventurer 
He's coming! 

Bradhurst 



Silence, silence! gentlemen! Ha! Ha! 



156 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Brandon 

At door R. 
His Lordship ! 

Alary enters R., her hat pulled down over her 
eyes, her cloak gathered about her, her boots 
pulled up, dejected, following close at Bran- 
don's heels. 

Mary 

Trying to hold his hand. She trips on her 
sword. All turn to her. Laughing. Bran- 
don goes to fireplace, watching Mary eagerly. 

Bradhurst 

When ]\Iarv gets down L. 

Well ! 

Bus. She staggers. Seated. 

I hope your lordship is not ill. Your hand is 
trembling — 

Mary 

With chattering teeth. 

An ague, sir. 

Bradhurst 
How old are you ? 

Brandon 

Fourteen. 

Mary 
Fourteen. 



Quickly 



WAS IX FLOWER 157 

Bradhurst 

To Mary. 
I (l()n1)t it yon will shed much blood! 

Mary 
I am accounted something of a fighter — in my 

First Adventurer 

L. C, sitting on table. 
All laugh. 



way ! 



The braggart ! 



Bradhurst 

As she trips on sword. 

But scarcely with the sword ! 

All laugh. 

Yon look more like a handsome girl than any 
man I ever saw ! 

First Adventurer 



Girl ! That's right. 



Mary 



Who calls me girl ? 



Bradhurst 
Take off vonr hat ! 



158 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

To Bradhurst. 
To whom shall I uncover ? 

Bradhurst 

Hotly, striking table with hand, rising. 

To your betters, Coxcomb ! 

Mary 

I shall not find them here. 

First Adventurer 
Take off your hat, sir ! 

Mary 
Not to any man ! 

First Adventurer 

Crosses to her. 

Damn your manners ! 

Throws hat off. 

Boy? The Captain's right — you look a pretty 
woman to the life. Hair, eyes, teeth, hands and 
shape ! 

Slapping Alary roughly on the shoulder. 



WAS IX FLOWER 159 

Mary 

Startled. 

Hair, eyes, teeth, hands. Who taught you, 
sir. to use such language to a gentleman? 

First Adventurer 

Inspection ! 

He seizes her doublet to tear it open. Bus. 



Mary 

Crosses to L. Recoiling. 

O Charles ! The brute ! 

Brandon jumps over bench, strikes First Ad- 
venturer. Draws sword and furious fight en- 
sues. As Brandon flings the fellow back, 
general uproar. 



Second Adventurer 

^^'e share this prize! 

Table upset and chairs thrown by three men. 
Enter landlord R. 3 E. and servant R. U. 

Brandon 
You clogs, stand back ! 

A great laugh goes up. The cavaliers set upon 
Mary. Brandon defends her. A furious 
fight ensues at the height of the scene. When 
Brandon is being beaten back Mary flings 
herself before him. 



i6o WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Cowards! Are you men to let him face such 
odds ? 



First Adventurer 

L. C, laughing. 

You say you are accounted a good fighter ! 

Now cross swords with me! 

All laugh. 

Mary 

She springs between Brandon and his assail- 
ants. 

Down witli your swords on peril of your lives 
or draw them upon Mary Tudor, the sister of 
your King! 

All 
Mary Tudor ! 

Dropping sword points and kneeling, doffing 
hats. 

Bradhurst 

Stands. 
.\nd this man ! 

Mary 
Charles Brandon ! Mv betrothed ! 



WAS IX FLOWER i6i 

Bradhurst 

If you indeed l^e ]\Iary Tudor how comes your 
Highness here? 

Mary 

I love this gentleman ! My brother exiles him. 
and seeks to make me Queen of France! 

All kneel. 
All 

]\Iurmur. 

A Queen ! 

Servant 

To landlord. 

Look ! Look ! The King's guards ! 

All rise. 

All 

Aliirmuring. 



King's men ! King's men ! 



Mary 

Unheeding him. 
Come I The ship ! 

Brandon 
Too late ! We are surrounded by King's men ! 

Mary 

They shall not keep us ! 



i62 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

To adventurers. 

Gentlemen ! Your swords ! 

Adventurers rallying about Mary, with swords 
pointing away. Duke of Buckingham knocks 
on tavern door. Officers and Guards, "Open 
in the King's name !" 

Brandon 



The Duke of Buckingham 



Buckingham 



In the King's name ! 



Goes to ]Mar3^ 
Enters, 



Mary 

Traitor ! Let us pass ! On, gentlemen ! 

Short fight between Brandon and Buckingham. 
All move forward. 

Henry 

Heard off. 
Where is the jade? 

All 

Everybody drops points of swords to ground 
and kneels. Enter Henry, followed by Wol- 
sey and eight guards. 

The King ! 

King 

Where is the baggage? 



WAS IX FLOWER 163 

Henry 

Swords drawn ? 

Pointing to Brandon. 

Seize him and clear this rabble from the room! 

Brandon is arrested. To Bradhtirst. 

\\>igh anchor and set of lest — I send you to 
Tyburn for your part in this. 

Exennt Bradluirst and men R. C. Landlord 
and others by different doors. Turning to 
]Mary furiously. 

Where were you going? 



Mary 

R., near table. 
Just to Xew Spain, sire? 



Henry 

C. 
Shame on you. girl ! Wanton hussy ! 



WOLSEY 

Up R. C 
Sire ! Sire ! 

^L\RY 

Brother! You give that name to me! What 
have I donei^ Deceived you, been defiant, trea- 
sonable, too. But wanton am I not ! 



i64 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

What have you done? Fled with a common 
captain of my guard in man's attire. Stopped at 
a tavern, hke a jade — 

Mary 

But I am innocent, and I have done no wrong! 
Ask Master Brandon ! 

Henry 

Brandon ! 

All laugh. Wolsey drops down R. 

Mary 

Laugh, if you will, hut Master Brandon would 
not lie toi win your crown ! 

Henry 
Remove him ! 

Mary 

No, not yet ! It was his honor that protected 
me, and if I am not the thing you called me now, 
I thank Charles Brandon for it myself — 

Henry 

By God's death Louis shall take you or I will 
ram you down his throat with cannon. You shall 



WAS IX FLOWER 165 

be married l)y proxy ere he can learn of this mad 
deed. 

Mary 

Nay, that is impossible ! 1 ha\'e given my word 
to ]\Iaster Brandon ! 

Henry 

The headman's ax shall free you from that 
pledge. He dies ; and when you enter London 
as King Louis' bride you shall see Charles Bran- 
don's head upon the bridge! 

Mary 

Xo ! Brother, I implore you. 

Henry 
He dies ! 

Mary 

Dies? No! no! Release him and I will 
marry Louis of France. Condemn him, and I 
swear no ix)wer on earth shall ever make me 
Louis' wife. 

Wolsey 

R. 
Sire! 



i66 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

Sister, if I promise you his life will you go to 
church with Louis' proxy two days hence ? 

AVOLSEY 

Your Majesty can keep Brandon in the Tower 
until her Higimess has fulfilled her pledge. 

Henry 

The day you sail for France, Charles Brandon 

Mary 

' Grant me one favor. 

Henry 
Well ? 

Mary 

That I may speak to him once, alone, before I 
give him up — forever. 

Henry 

At door. 
Send Brandon here. 

To Mary. 

So that you keep it secret, Louis need never 

know. 

Aside to Wolsey.. 



WAS IX FLCJWER 167 

It would be a good joke on the old dotard if he 

had an heir. 

Enter Brandon, guarded, R. 
To guards. 
Keep watch without. Come, my lords. 

Exit Henry, Wolsey and Buckingham, R. C. 
Guards exit at doors R., L. and C, seen out- 
side windows. Wolsey closes the door of 
tavern. 

Brandon 

Down to Mary. 

You have sold yourself to save my life. I 
would have died to save you from this fate. Oh, 
(lod, to lose you — to give you up to another. 

Sitting, head on table. 

Mary 

Over to him, hand on shoulder. 

I know how you must suffer. For I should die 
rather than give you up to any other woman. 

Brandon 
You ha\e my pledge — 

Mary 

But I — I — promised, too; and I have failed, 
but you — I trust you. I am yours — yours now, 



i68 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

always ! Charles ! though I am to go to the altar 
with Louis it is to be his Queen — not his wife. 
Charles. 

Brandon 

Embracing her. 

Oh, Mary ! 

Kissing her passionately. Enter King, Wol- 
sey, Buckingham and guards. 

Henry 

To guards. 

Remove him. 

Buckingham and guards take Brandon from 
her. 

Mary 

As Wolsey touches her arm. Dazed. 

I am ready. Take me to London and make 
me Queen of France. 

Henry 

To the Tower. 

Bus. 

CURTAIN 



WAS [\ FLOWER 169 



ACT IV 



Scene 1 : The Court of France. At rise the room is 
lighted by candles and by the red glow of the fire that burns 
in the grate fireplace. From off R. U. E. come sounds of 
music, laughter and the voices of dancers. Behind the 
screen the lights are brilliant. Courtiers and ladies pass 
behind the screen from left to right, as though upon their 
way to join the dancers. 

Discovered: About the fireplace are grouped Jane Bol- 
ingbroke, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour and a French maid 
of honor. On the seat before the great window at the right 
some little pages are idling. One page is blowing the fire 
with a bellows. Jane Bolingbroke has her lute beside her. 



Jane 

At fireplace, standing. 
How cliillv it is. 



Jane Seymour 
The Queen is tardy. 

Anne 

I shall be sent to bed before the dancing is half 

done. 

Jane 

Then yon will ha\e less time to gossip with 
my Lord of Buckingham and make eyes at the 
Dauphin. 



T70 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane Seymour 
You waste your glances, Anne ! 

French Lady 

Rises. 

The Dauphin has no eyes for any beauty save 

the Queen's. 

Jane 

Hush, hush, (lemoiseHe! 

French Lady 
Vraiment, he is quite mad for love of her. 

Anne 

He means to keep her here in France when old 

King- Louis dies. 

Jane 

Sitting. 
She heeds him not. 

French Lady 

C. 

Her indifference fires his passion. Mon Dieu. 
what woman could resist him, le beau garcon? 
When his old cousin dies he will be le roi de 
France. The ice will melt. She is a woman; she 
will yield ! 



WAS TX FLOWER 171 

Jaxk 

Rises. 

^ leld! All. monstrous; I forbid you! 

French Lady 
Oh. mal— 

Jane 

The Dauphin has a wife ah-eady, the good 
Princess Claude — the daughter of the King. 

Crosses to R. of table. 

French Lady 
Pauvre dame, he neglects her for the Queen. 

Enter Caskoden. 

Anne 

Rises. 
Sir Edwin, will the King rise to-night? 

Caskoden 

He leaves his bed to dance with her Majesty, 
since she will have no other partner. 

Jane 

Even if the King rise to-night, his death mav 
follow in a day or in an hour. Restore — 

Up to chair. 



1/2 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Anne 

Down L. 

Restore ! Then we shall all be sent home to 
mope in England. I hope that Francis keeps 
her here. I like this court of France. 

Jane 
Not L 

Jane Seymour 
Nor L 

French Lady 
Ah, Mademoiselles ! 

Jane 

Oh, for the court of England, you would hnd 
it different there. Do you remember. Sir Edwin, 
the song Will Somers sang? 

Caskoden 
Cloth of Gold? Aye, know it well. 

Jane touches her hite and sings. Caskoden 
sings. 

''Cloth of gold do not despise. 
Though you be matched with cloth of frieze ! 
Cloth of frieze be not too bold, 
Though you be matched with cloth of gold." 



WAS ]\ FT.OWER 173 

French Lady 
Oil. nion Dieu, quelle mitsiqiie ! 

As the song ends Alary enters and stands lis- 
tening. As they see her, all rise and turn to 
her, bowing low, the little pages, too. 

All 
The Queen ! 

Mary 

Will Somers' song. Ah, Jane, how sweet to 
me the old song is. Oh, to be at home in Eng- 
land, free, a princess still, not queen of France! 

French Lady 
Pardon, Madame, France never had so fair a 



queen ! 



Mary 

Pausing before the fire. 



Three months a queen ! Three little months a 
queen of France. 

She sits, looking into the fire. 

French Lady 

Hears music. 

Pardon, Madame, they wait your coming- in the 
grand salon. The dancing- has begun, ecoutez 
quelle ra\-issante le Gaillerd ! 



174 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Nay, go you before me, I will follow you. The 
King" is rising, I will wait for him. Go you and 
join the dances, all but Jane and Edwin, who 
wait with me. 

She signs for all to leave her, then beckons 
Jane to her. All bow low and exit, leaving 
Jane and Mary alone. The music and laugh- 
ter sounds clearly from the distant rooms. 

Ah, Jane, since that day in Windsor Park, to the 

tune when Master Brandon taught me my first 

French dance, *'The Sailor Lass," — play it again, 

Jane. 

Mary hums the tune and Jane plays it on her 
lute. Mar}- dances a step. 

J AXE 

My Lady :\Iary ! 

Mary 

Ah — to be alone one moment without spies, 
free from the importunities of those 1 hate ! 



L^NE 



The Kine? 



Mary 

I feared him once, and now I fear to lose him. 

Laughter heard off ; she listens. 



WAS IX FLOWER 175 

Hark! 

She goes up and then draws hack. 

The JJaupliin's voice! 

Caskoden 

Yt>u fear him. Lady Mary? 

^L\RY 

Not while the King hves, but when Louis dies, 
then, when J am powerless and alone here in his 
court, then I shall fear him. 



Jane 



I know the danger ! 



Mary 

Look. Jane, come closer. See, in my fear I 
have written Brandon. Caskoden, you must dis- 
patch this letter instantly to England. 

Jaxe 

Read and let me see if you have made clear the 

danger. 

Mary • 

Nay, you read it aloud to me that I may judge 



176 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

if it presents my meaning-, and Caskoclen, will 
you keep watch and see that we^ are not o\'er- 
heard ? Now, Jane ! 

Jane 

"Sir and dear friend, greeting : After leaving' 
thee a long time, I had that mighty grief and dole 
within my heart that it was like to break, and I 
doubted me that I could live in this Paris, as I 
did wish, and keep my promise to you." 

Mary 
Yes, that is true, Jane, so true! 

Jane 

''But when at last I saw this poor old King", I 
took hope, for I well knew that I could rule him." 

Mary 

And have I not ruled him, Jane? 

Jane 

''And when I did arri\e in Paris I found it so 
easy to live as I would. a]>art from him. that my 
heart leaped for very joy, and I ha\'e been almost 
happy but for lack of thee." 



WAS I\ FLOWER 177 

Mary 

Js that immodest, Jane, think you? 

Jane 

Xo. J lliink not. 

Mary 
Surely not, Jane I Well, go on. 

Jane 

"Jt has been ofttimes so hard for me, who had 
never waited, to have to wait for this which I do 
so want, like a poor, patient Griselda — which of 
the truth 1 am not." 

Mary 
And who should know it half so well as he? 

Jane 

''Poor old Louis fades day by day until he has 
become the veriest shadow of a man, of whom 
}'()U need not have one jealous thought." 

Mary 

Indeed not, poor old Louis, go on. 



1/8 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Jane 

"Dear friend — there is another matter of which 
I wish to write in very earnestness — the Dau- 
phin !" 

Mary 

Ah, yes, yes, \\hat do I say of him ? 

Jane 

''Frances crAngouleme has fallen desperately 
fond of me, and is more importune and more dan- 
gerous than the old King", who is my shield and 
defense against his too great familiarity." 

Mary 

Oh, Jane! Jane, he is desperate for love of 
me, and I know now to what length he may go 
when the old King comes to die. It is then, Jane, 
I will have my fears of this young Francis, who 
Avill be king of France, and so become all power- 
ful. Oh, Jane, I fear, I fear! Go on, dear, with 
the letter. 

Jane 

"The King can not live long*, as the thread of 
his life is like rotten flax, so thou must come with- 



WAS IX FLOWER 179 

out delci}', since I will l)e in deadly peril. When 
King Louis dies lose not one precious moment; it 
may mean all to thee and me. 1 thank thee that 
thou hast ne\er doubted me, and will see that 
thou hast hereafter only good cause for better 
faith. — Alary." But you've not told him, Mary. 

Mary 

Xay, 'tis not all. i have a postscriptum, Jane! 

Jane 
Oh ! .\ postscriptum ! 



Taking manuscript. 



:\L\RY 

Yes, of course a postscriptum. 

J AXE 

Read it to me. 

Mary 

"T have but time to write that the King is so 
ill he can not but die ere many days. As thou 
knowest, I have my brother's permission to marry 
whom I wish when I am free." Aly second hus- 
band, Jane, yet as I have Henry's one consent, 
it is safer that we act upon that rather than be so 



i8o WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

scrupulous as to ask for another, which might be 

refused. 

Jane 
Well said. 

]\Iary 

''So it were better that you take me to wife 
uix)n the old promise rather than risk the need 
of having- to do without any. I say no more, but 
come with all the speed thou knowest. — Mary." 

Caskoden 

Moving to door. 

Be on guard, Lady Mary. Hide the letter. 

Anne 

Top of steps, appearing at door. 
His royal Highness, the Dauphin ! 

Crosses to L. near fire ; chair. Enter Francis, 
followed by Buckingham, De Longueville, 
pages, etc. Mary turning to meet them. 

Caskoden 
Hide the letter ! 

Franci.s 

■Advancing, 

Your Majesty, we entreat you to the dance! 



WAS IN FLOWER i8i 

Mary 

Still sitting. 

Was there no chamberlain to seek me with 
your message, sir? 

Francis 

There is no office that I would not gladly as- 
sume to serve your Majesty. The dance! The 
dance! \\'ill you not honor me by the bestowal 
of your gracious hand? 

Buckingham 

Kneels. 

Nay, nay! I beg that your Majesty's choice 
may fall upon me. 

De Longueville 

Kneels. 

Grant me one measure; how can such lips re- 
fuse our prayers ? 

Mary 

No, no! I will not dance with you, my lord, 

nor you, my lord. 

To Francis. 

Not even with you, nephew ! I have made a \'ow 
to dance with no one but the King. 



Rising". 



182 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Francis 
Saints should be merciful ! 

Mary 

Well, I am no saint. 

P'^RANCIS 

One measure — only one ! 

Mary 
No, no! I dance only with his Majesty! 

Francis 

Then let me represent the King. Let me be 
proxy for him in the dance ! 

De Longueville 
Mon Dieu ! A dance by proxy! 

Mary 

WHiy then, with all my heart. A proxy king 
shall have a proxy queen ; Anne Boleyn shall 
stand up for me. 



WAS IX FLOWER 183 

Anne 

Crossing to L. C. 
.\ ({ueen ! A queen ! 

Bowing to Francis. 

Your royal Highness, your hand, the dance! 

Francis 

Haughtily. 
You make a jest of me. 

Mary 

Ha\e ]:)atience. Anne your turn will come — 
Anne comes to R. i. To Caskoden. 
Caskoden, go tell his ^Majesty I wait for him. 

Jane drops down R. i in front of table. Exit 
Caskoden. 

Francis 

L. C, crossing to Mar}-. 
You still disdain me I Still refuse my love! 

Mary 

C. 

My lord, I wonder that you will still be talk- 
ing! Where is the Princess Claude, your wife? 
She should be here to dance with vou. 



r84 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Francis 

She would not come; she is grown jealous of 
your beauty ! 

Mary 
Jealous, nay ! She has no cause ! 

Crossing to L. 

Francis 
Then of the love I bear your Majesty! 

Mary 

And e\xry other woman at the court ! 

Crossing to L. 

Francis 

Passionately. 

I love you, I worship you ! I swear to you 
when Louis dies, I will divorce his daughter. 
You shall be my wife! 

Mary • 

Your Highness, you forget, I am your cousin's 
queen ! 

Francis 

His queen, but not his wife. 



WAS IX FLOWER 185 

Mary 

Coward, you dare ! 

Turning. 

Call my attendants! Go stop the dancing", let the 

music cease ! 

As she speaks, enter Caskoden hurriedly. 

Caskoden, the King — 

Jane moves to C. Anne is up R. to C. Music 
stops. 

Caskoden 

The King- sickens unto death, the physicians 
swarm about him ! The priests have been sum- 
moned ; he is dying", I saw it in his eyes. I heard 

it in his voice. 

Organ begins very pp. 

Francis 

Aside. 

What does he say ? 

Mary 

Aside to Caskoden. 
Then my last shield is gone ! 

Francis 

Aside to De Longueville. 
The QUil is near! 



i86 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

To attendants. 
Lea\'e me ! 

All bow. Exeunt all but Jane, Caskoden, Mary 
and Francis, bowing at door. As she sees 
Francis. 

My lord, I bid yon good riig-ht ! 

Era N CIS 

Approaching Mary. 

Nay, I stay to keep this watch with your Maj- 
esty! 

Jane and Caskoden meet R., near bench. 

Mary 

Oh, liorror ! 

Crossing. 

Francis 

Subdued. 
Think I will make yon my wife, my qneen ! 

Mary 

Over at door, L. 

My lord ! My lord ! At snch an honr ! I am 
already qneen of France withont yonr aid, and 
little as I valne the poor dignity, yet do I value it 
too much tO' suffer this insult to the crown of 
France ! 



WAS IX FT.OWER 187 

Francis 



C. 



Call me when I am king! 



Mary 

L. C. 

That will I ne\er do. I leave that office to 

your spies ! Go, sir, your queen dismisses you ! 

Francis 

Bowing, goes up the steps. 
I shall be king, and I shall have my way ! 

Exit Francis. 

Mary 

To Jane and Caskoden. 
King he may be, the sooner the better, Init have 
his way he shall not. 

Jane goes to Mar}-, C. Caskoden goes up C, 
looking off, then drops down R. C. 

I am tired of kings. 

Jane 
The letter, it must be sent to Brandon n(iw. 

Mary 

'Tis true! T am watched, spied. 

She pauses. 

'Tis true; I am watched, spied upon; there is no 



]88 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

time to lose. The instant Louis dies I must set 
out for England ; only the King's life stands be- 
tween me and dishonor ! 

Caskoden 

L. C. 

A woman's soul must be contagion-proof to be 
safe from his attack. 

Mary 

C. 

And is not mine? Nay, Edwin, I have so many 
other faults that if I have not this one merit, there 



is no good in me. 



Caskoden 

L. C. 



Forgive me, Lady Mary ! 



Mary 

See, I do, and thus reward you for the faith 
you keep with Brandon. I mean to give you 
now, while I yet am a queen and still may give 
the treasure of the world, vour own true love. 



Caskoden 
My lady ! 



WAS TX FLOWER 189 

Marv^ 
Do >()u remember, Jane, your pledge to me ! 

Jane 
Yes. 

Mary 

Keep that pledge now ! 

She takes a necklace from her throat and 
places it about Jane's neck. 

To-morrow there shall be a wedding. Yours to 
Caskoden. 

She kisses her. 
Take her — 

Caskodex 
Ah, Jane. 

He embraces her. 

Mary 
Nay, not before the Queen. 

Caskoden drops back and crosses back of Marv 
to R. C. 



Taxe 

L. C. 
It Brandon were but here. 



Mary 

C. 

Bless you, dear Jane, nay I would give this 



190 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

hand, almost my life, to fall upon my face before 
Charles Brandon now. This letter, Edwin, you 
shall go with ail the speed that horse and ship can 
make, by nig'ht and day, to place it in his hands 
and summon him to my deliverance. Why do 
you stay? 

Caskoden 



R. C 



For your pardon. Lady Mary. 

Mary 

For what ? 

Caskoden 



R. C. 



For hiding- that which iiiust no longer be con- 
cealed. Brandon is here in France! 

Mary 

C. 

Brandon ! 

Caskoden 

R. C. 

I dared not tell your Highness of his coming 
lest you forbid his presence. 

Mary 

Brandon here in France ! 



WAS IX FLOWER 191 

Caskoden 

R. C. 

He reached I^aris five hours ago! 

Mary 

Brandon in Paris: you hear him, Jane! 
Charles Brandon in Paris, near us, Jane, why 
don't you laugh ? Why don't you cry, as I do. 
A\'hy are you crying, Jane? 

Jaxe 
Because 1 am so happy for you. 

Mary 

Then laugh, laugh, Charles has come to Paris! 

Caskodex 

Your Highness will see Brandon now; I will 
admit him 1)a' the secret panel. 

Mary 

Pausing. 
No, not while King Louis li\'es. 

Caskodex 

R. 

His death is imminent. 



192 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Then go to Brandon, keep watch with him 
without ; when you shall see a light placed in that 
window, you will know then the King is dead, 
that I am free, and that the moment of my peril 
is at hand. Then come to me with Brandon ; go 
now, and watch. 

Caskoden 

At the door at the right. 
Some one is approaching. 

Mary 

Pointing to center. 
Then hy this way. 

Exit Caskoden center. As Caskoden exits, 
enter Francis, Buckingham and De Longue- 
ville from the right. 

My lords! 

Francis 

How is my royal uncle? 

Buckingham 
Does the King meiid? 



De Longueville 
Is there any hope ? 



R. 



WAS IX FLOWER 193 

Mary 

Scornfully. 

Spies ! Come, Jane, my place is with his Maj- 
esty ! 

Pausing in the doorway. 

The king- of France still lives. 

Exit Mary and Jane at the left. De Longue- 
ville follows and listens at the door up step 
L. Francis throws himself into a chair be- 
side the table, and Buckingham stands near 
him, R. 

Francis 

He only lives to keep me from his crown and 
from his queen. By the saints Yd give my crown 
for her. This Mary Tudor you have brought 
from Eng-land, whose beauty dri\es men mad. 

Buckingham 
She has kept the King at bay. 

Francis 

Seated. 

An old man, feeble, childish, all his passions 
si)ent, she may well hold herself from him ; but 
from my arms, am I so ill to look upon ? 

Buckingham 

R. of table. 
She has another image in her heart. 



i(j4 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Francis 
Aye, this Brandon, you have told me of — 

Buckingham 

It is her love for him that makes her deaf to 

you, the moment Louis dies she will set out for 

England. 

Francis 

Leave France, leave me unsatisfied. 

Buckingham 

Once in England, you will be powerless to call 

her back — 

Francis 

Then she must remain in France. 

Buckingham 

If she'll not stay as widow, keep her here as 

wife. 

Francis 

Seated at table, R. C. 

As wife ! 

Buckingham 

At foot of table. 

The Duke of Savoy, your cousin, marry her to 
him. 



WAS IX FLOWER 195 

Francis 
Saxoy. an imbecile ! 

Buckingham 

Give liim the title, while yon keep the rights of 

linsband. 

Francis 

St. Denis, this is connsel that I like; what 
wonld her brother Henry of Engiand say if I de- 
tained her here! 

Buckingham 

Xanght, if yon gave him her dowry back. 
Confirm him in his French possessions, hint that 
he shall have yonr inflnence to make him em- 
peror, and ha\e your way with Mary Tudor. 

Francis 

Yet she has faithful friends in Lady Jane and 
Caskoden. 

Buckingham 

But here is one who will inform your Highness 
of their plans. 

Anne Boleyn enters as he speaks. Francis re- 
mains seated. 



196 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Anne 

L. C, bowing low. 
Your royal Highness. 

Francis 
Anne Boleyn but a child ! 

Buckingham 

Touching the rope of pearls she wears about 
her neck. 

Her wisdom won her these. 

Anne 

C. 

My lords, I have news. Charles Brandon is 

here in Paris. He has been seen to-day with 

Caskoden. 

Buckingham 

Brandon in Paris, and seen with Caskoden ; 

then she will fly the instant Louis dies, unless 

your Highness keeps her here by force. We ha\'e 

not done with Brandon yet. 

Bell heard off L. U. 

All 
Hark ! 

Voices 



Off. 



The King is dead ! 



WAS IN FLOWER 197 

De Loxgueville 

Kneeling down L. 
Sire, the King- is dead! Long live the King! 

Buckingham 

Kneeling up L. C. 
Sire, I greet you King of France. 

Anne 



Sire! 

Dead ! 
Kinof at last ! 



Kneeling, C. 



Francis 



Pause. 

Pause. 



Then Alary Tudor shall not quit the court of 
France ! Lock the doors. Give me the keys ! 

Put out lights. They lock the doors and give 
him the kejs. Francis puts out candles on 
table. De Longueville locks L. U. door, 
Buckingham door R. i. 



Anne 

Pointing. 

This secret panel that I told your Highness of 
by which she escapes the King. 



T98 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Francis 
I will set a guard upon that door. 

De Longueville and Buckingham giving Fran- 
cis keys of doors. 

To Buckingham and De Longueville. 
You to Eng'land. 

To Anne. 
You to watch the Queen ! 

Francis goes up and locks door C. All exeunt 
but Francis. 

Kino- at last ! 



'fe 



Exit Francis through secret panel. Priests' 
chorus. Exit Buckingham and De Longue- 
ville at C, closing the doors after them. 
Exit Anne Boleyn, L. In the distance voices 
are heard singing. There is a moment's 
pause, then ]\Iary enters the room at door L. 
She is not weeping, but falters as she ad- 
vances to the King, door L. U. Anne closes 
door L. I and takes key. IMary's hand trem- 
bles and she whispers a Latin prayer. 



Mary 

Chorus and bell. Enter L. U., glancing back. 

Dead — I was his queen, but I was not his wife 
— I ha\e kept my vow ! 

Chorus L. U. Repeating the prayer. 

"Luz perpetus luceat eum de profundis claniavi 

ad te Dominum. Domine Nande orationeni 
mean." 

She lays her hand upon the door C. 



\\'AS IX FLOWER 



Jane must keep watch till Caskoden returns. 



199 



She tries the door; it is immovable; tries it 
again. 

Locked ! 

She moves swiftly to the door at R. i, tries it. 
And this. 

She moves quickly to door L. i. 

Locked ! Locked ! 

At L., calling. 
Jane ! Jane ! Open I Jane ! 

She listens; there is no response. 

1 am a prisoner! The signal! 

Takes candle and places in window. She turns 
to R. C. 

The panel ! 

She listens. 
Some one is there ! 

She moves toward it swiftly. The panel turns, 
Francis enters. Marv shrinks back. 



Mary 

The Dauphin ! 

Fr.vxcis 

XXv! The King! 

Mary 
Release me, open the doors ! 

Francis 
I bring your Majesty the keys. 



Drawing back. 



Laughing. 



200 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Then open ! 

Francis 

Comes down R. C. 

AMien you have paid the price! You shall not 
cheat me of your love. Your eyes have set my 
heart on fire, your lips shall quench the flames, 
aye. now, to-night. You would not have me for 
your husband — King — yet you shall know the 
passion you disdained ! Shall feel and answer it ! 

Mary 

Running across to door L. i E. 

Jane ! Jane ! 

Knocking" on the doors. 

Open! Open! It is the Queen who calls! Open! 

She remains at door, knocking. Francis laughs. 

Francis 

Following her to C, as he laughs. 

You hear no answer! Only the dead King 
and the deaf priests keep watch upon your safety 
now! I have but li\-ed and waited for this hour; 
it crowns my joy, as it has crowned m}' hopes 
and made me King. Yield you to me — 



WAS IX FLOWER 201 

Mary 

Help! Hie Queen calls! Help! l^he Queen ! 



Francis 

Catching; her in his arms. 



Mine! Mine! 



The panel opens, Braitdon and Caskoden ap- 
pear. Mary rnnning to Brandon. 



Braxdox 



:^Iarv! 



Betrayed 



Tlie guards ! 



Francis 

Turning to door C, drawing sword. 



Braxdox 

Intercepts him. 
Call them — and die ! 

They fight. Brandon wounds Francis. Fran- 
cis drops his sword. Mary catches Bran- 
don's hand. 



Mary 

To Eno'land ! 



'fe' 



]\Iary and Brandon turn with Caskoden to the 
secret panel. Jane enters L. i. Caskoden 
comes to her. 

Curtain. 

Francis has dropped upon one knee, clasping 
his wounded arm. As they exeunt the dis- 
tant voices are heard shouting in the streets 



202 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

below, "Long live the King ! Long live King 
Francis !" From the room at L. the solemn 
voices of the priests chanting the prayers of 
the dead. 

End of scene. 

Scene II : The King's ante-chamber, Greenwich. It is 
morning ; bright sunshine floods the scene. At rise Henry 
is discovered playing at cards with Wolsey and Cavendish, 
the Queen seated L. C. Pages and courtiers loiter in the 
windows and before the fireplace. Will Somers looks over 
the King's shoulders as he plays. 

They plays cards a moment longer before dia- 
logue begins. 



Henry 

Now Kate! What can keep Charles Brandon 

down in Suffolk these eight days! The game is 

(kill without him — 

Throws down cards. 

Cathp:rine 

Are there no gentlemen at court to choose a 
friend from save this low-born adventurer? 

Henry 

Lo\\-1)orn ! A g-ood squire's son — why can't 
tliese gentlemen have some of Brandon's graces, 
since they 1)oast l>etter blood? Wh(^ taught me 
to play Honour and Ruff — Brandon ! \Yho can 
sit a horse against me in the tilting course? 



WAS IX FLOWER . 203 

Brandon ! Thank God my sister is well out of 
England and I can ha\'e the fellow back at court. 

To Wolsey. 
Send into Suffolk for him — 

Catherine 

Perhaps he has found as fair a face as Mary's 
to l>eguile him there. 

SOMERS 

Her like is not in England, Madam. 

Henry 

ril wager Louis wishes her safe home again! 

Catherine 
God grant he keeps her all her days in Erance! 

Somers 

Madam ! I would not have God grant you 
such a prayer. 

Chamberlain 

TUq Duke de Longueville! Ambassador from 
the king of Erance. The Duke of Buckingham ! 



204 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

WOLSEY 

What mischief brings these gentlemen? 

Enter De Longueville and Buckingham. Cath- 
erine rises, goes to C. 



Henry 
My lords, in England ! 



In surprise. 



Bowing low 



Buckingham 

Sire! 

Henry 
What errand brings you ? My sister — Louis — 

De Longueville 
Your sister is a widow, sire. 

Buckingham 
Louis of Erance is dead ! 

Henry 

Rises. 

Louis dead? Nay, this is news indeed! 

To Wolsey. 
Mv lord — vou hear — Louis of Erance is dead. 



WAS IX FLCJWER 205 

Buckingham 

L. C. 

Sire, we liave trax'eled post — Monsieur de 
Long'ueville comes from King Francis — 

To Henry. 

1\) ask your royal sister's hand in marriage for 
his cousin, the Duke of Savoy — after her widow- 
hood. 

WOLSEY 

R. 

How, my lord ! Louis is scarcely cold ! Why 
does King Francis seek this marriage for the 
widowed queen ? 

Buckingham 

L. C. 

To bind his court more closely to his Majesty 
1)v ties of blood. 



L. C. 



De Longueville 
He seeks your friendship, sire. 

Buckingham 



For your consent he will pay l)ack your sister's 
dowry of four hundred thousand crowns. 



2o6 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

De Longlteville 



L. C. 



Aid you to press your claim to the imperial 
throue in the event of Maximilian's death — 

Buckingham 

L. 
Confirm you in your French ix>ssessions — 

WOLSEY 

R. 

And all this to keep a sixteen-year-old girl in 
France ? 

Henry 

Seated R. up back of table. 
Francis must \o\q us well — 

WOLSEY 

Or Mary hate Sayoy — 

Henry 

What says my sister? 

Buckingham 
Her Majesty is eager for the match. 



WAS IX FLOWER 207 

Henry 

You hear? She has forgot her Brandon, then? 

Buckingham 
Completely, sire. 

Catherine 

Crossing to chair, sitting. 
Thank God, she shall not vex me here ! 

WOLSEY 

But, sire, the queen is scarce a widow, you do 
not know her mind in this, she had your promise 
for a second marriage — 

Henry 

A second marriage? Xay, a jest — and then 

you hear that she is eager for it ! 

To De Longuevillc. 

\\'hen will King Francis send the dowry back? 

De Longueville 
By the hrst ship. 

Buckingham 
\\'hat says your Majesty? 



2o8 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

Why, let my sister stay in France — I say, it 

you can keep her there. 

To De Longueville. 

Keep her in France! For once in England, Fll 
not answer for her. 



Chamberlain 

Enters L. 2 E. 
Her Majesty the Queen of France. 



All 
The Queen of France ! 

Buckingham 
The Oueen. .\ jest ! 



Henry 
What Queen? 

Mary 
Only your Mary — home again. 

De Longueville 
Escaped ! 



Staring. 



In door at C. 



WAS IX FLOWER 209 

BUCKIXGIIAM 

P^rancis! Fool! 

All 
Mary TiuU^r ! 

Mary 

A\'ell 

As she enters. 
I was ]\larv Tudor — once. Brother. 

Kissing Henry. 

How sad you look! How thin you are! Has 
Wolsey won at cards, has Catherine been scold- 
ing \-ou — or do you pine to have me back ag'ain ? 

Henry 
Now, Mary, who comes with you? 

Mary 

Why, Jane and Caskoden. 

At door. 

Come in, we are right welcome, you see how glad 
my 1)rother and Kate are to ha\'e me home again 

Presenting them. 

— sire. Sir Edwin and Lady Caskoden. 

Enter Jane and Caskoden C, kneel to Henry, 
then go up and kneel to Catherine. 



2IO WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

All 
Lady Caskoden. 

Henry 

Your retinue? 

Caskoden D., Jane U. 

Mary 

As she warms her hands at the fire. 

I am well guarded, brother. I see Monsieur 
de Longueville has played the courier: and the 
rest are following, if they know the road I took. 

Bowing to all. 
My lords! 

Caskoden and Jane go up and kneel to Queen. 
Caskoden and Jane drop down L. 

.Henry 

R. C. 

\Miat bring"s you here? 

Mary 

C. 

Why, what a stupid question ! I wanted so to 
see you, brother. 

Henry 

R. C. 

Nay. do not try to cozen me; how dared you 
quit the court? Did Francis know your purpose? 



WAS IX J<L(3WER 211 

Mary 

R. C. 

T think that I forgot to mention it — Init lie 
must know it l^y — l)y tliis time. I'm sure he 
must ! 

Henry 

R. C. 

You shall instantly return to France. 

Mary 

C. 

Can't I rest just a day or two in England, sire? 

Henry 

R. C. 

The Duke of Savoy seeks your hand in mar- 
riage. 

Mary 

C. 

Does he? Savoy? Who is Savoy? A new 

candidate? 

Henry 

R. C. 

^'ou shall return, you shall obey the King. 

Mary 

C. 

Obey, obey the King, what king — yt)ur Fran- 
cis? 



212 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 
Yes, Francis ! 

Mary 

Now, brother, I came to you for aid, protection 
from this king". He sought to keep me there by 
force, to suffer insuU at his hands. 

Turning to Buckingham and De Longneville. 

These were his tools, his creatures and liis spies. 
I was a queen in France. I woiikl not stay a 
C(nn"tesan. 

Henry 

Can this be true ? 

BuckingHam L. C. 

Mary 

C, weeping and clinging to Henry. 

Oh, brother, you woukl not send me back to 

such a fate. Oh, save me, save me! Save your 

httle sister, sire. 

Winking at Jane. 

Henry 

The dog, the dog*, to treat my sister so, my sis- 
ter, my father's daugliter, the first princess in 
England, his mistress ! (jod's death — 



WAS IX FLOWER 213 

Buckingham 

Sire, sire, were tiiis King' Francis' purpose, 

why should he send her dowry l)ack? Confirm 

you in your French possessions ? Offer to make 

vou emperor? 

Henry 

The dowry ! My French possessions ! Em- 



peror ! 



Mary 



Ih-other, it is the price that he would pay for 
my dishonor. 

Buckingham 

L. C. 
Sire, she wrongs the king. 

Henry 

R. C. 

I believe the jade would wheedle me again ! 
She shall return — she shall be married to Savoy. 
She shall obey me! 

Mary 

C. 

No, brother, no — no power on earth shall e\'er 
send me back to France. I'll take my oath 
upon it ! 



214 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

R. C 

Aye, so you said when I would make you 
Louis' wife, and yet you went ; I say that you 
shall have Savoy. 

Mary 

C. 

I won't, I can't, I have a husband now. He 
would not like it if I took another, sire. 

Henry 
Your husband — old Louis — he is dead. 

Mary 

Not Louis, not that one — 

Henry 

Not Louis? Who, then? More tears! What 
no\\' ? 

Mary 

Still weeping. 

Why, brother — it is all your fault, and yet 
you'll blame me. and just because I was so anx- 
ious to obey you. 



WAS IX FLOWER 215 

Henry 
Obey me ! 

Mary 

Yes, you know I always do. You said that I 
should o-() to France and many Louis. Well — I 
went — you know 1 did. 

Henry 
Yes! I know. 

:\Lary 

Then Louis died — and I remembered your 
command to choose my second husband for my- 
self. I might have waited — but? — I was so eager 
to obe}' you, brother — and sa\e myself from 
Francis — that — well — I — 

Caskoden and Jane advance a step. 

ran away with Jane — and Caskoden. 

Henry 

With a deep sigh of relief. 

Oh! 

Mary 
And — and Master Brandon. 

Jane and Caskoden cross R. up of table, Jane 
D., Caskoden up. 



2i6 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

* 

Henry 

Starting violently. 

Brandon ! I tliought he was in Suffolk. 

Mary 
Not just then. 

Henry 

Brandon ! 

Mary 

Yes, brother — you know — Charles Brandon — 
and to obey you. sire, I married him ! 

All 

IMarried ! 

Henry 
God's death ! Married to Brandon ! 

Mary 

Innocently, as Henry storms and raves. 
Then aren't you pleased with my obedience? 

Henry 

Furiously. 

Pleased! If I had 1)ut one other sister like you, 
I swear that I w(^uld hang myself! Married to 



WAS IX FLOWER 217 

Brandon ! Fool ! Dolt ! Idiot ! Married to 
Brandon! You will drive me mad! Just one 
other like you in Eng"land, and the whole damned 
kingxlom might sink! Sink! Sink! Fd have 
none of it I Married to Brandon without my con- 
sent. Hell and furies ! 

Mary 

Can you think I would do that? You gave me 
your consent four months ag'O ! 

Henry 
In what ? My consent ! 

Mary 

^'es, don't shout so brother. Fve come home 

from P'rance. 1 lea\e it to my Lord of Lincoln 

if I had not your promise, nay command, to 

choose my second husband for myself. 

To Wolse}'. 
Your lordship \yill remember. 

\\'olsey 
True, sire ! 

Mary 

So — to obey you, sire, I chose Master Brandon 
— took mv hair down, and married him! 



2i8 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Henry 

Married to Brandon with your hair down ! 

To others. 

You hear her! An'dthen she calls this obeying 

me ! 

- To Mary. 

You hear her! And then she calls this obeying 
my crown upon it that he was glad to die. 

Mary 

Shrugging her shoulders. 

Well, he would marry me! 

Henry 

Where is your Brandon ? He is a good fellow 
after all. Tell him to come home. I suppose you 
ha\'e hid him somewhere. 

Mary 

Well — not far — this is our honeymoon. 

At door. 

Come in, Charles. 

Enter Brandon. 

Brandon 

Kneeling. 

Sire. 



WAS IX FLOWER 219 

Henry 

So, sir, this was tlie business that kept you 
down in Suffolk — my sister — 

Braxdox 

Rising. 

Nay, sire, let the blame be mine, I take it glad- 
ly with the joy she brings! 

Henry 

\\'ell, you'll find punishment enough in her. 
The thorniest rose ui>on the Tudor stem. By 
St. George, I pity you ! Think of okl Louis. 

Mary 

Oh, brother, that is different, as different as 
light from darkness, as love from loathing, as 
Hea\'en from — the other place, as Brandon from 
Louis — and that tells it all. 

Holding Brandon's hand. 
Brother, what will you do for him? 

Henry 
I supix)se I might as well give in at once. 



220 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Mary 

Can yon make him Dnke of Snffolk? I — 1 
once promised Caskoden that title for his friend, 
noAv I ask it for my hnsband. 

Henry 
What say yon, my lord bishop? 

WOLSEY 

It were well bestowed the price of such a rare 

obedience ! 

Henry 

So be it, then ! He shall be Duke of Suffolk ! 
I shall hold the estates myself in lieu of your 
dowry, four hundred thousand crowns that Fran- 
cis keeps — 

Mary 

Oh, brother — and — 

Henry 

No! I'll not hear another word! You'll coax 
mv kino-(lom for him next. 

Brandon goes up C. Jane goes to him, gives 
him her hand. 



WAS TX 1'7X)\VER 221 

Buckingham 

Aside. 
Defeated. 

Advancing to Mary. 

Let me congratulate your Majesty. 
De Longueville 

Following him. 
I wish you joy; a love match, a romance! 

AIary 

Aly lords, you overw helm me ! Alake me 
happy hy being the first to convey the joyful tid- 
ings of my marriage to the king of France. 

De Longueville 

Drawing back. 

St. Denis. 

Henry 

Yes, set out at once. 

To Buckingham. 

]\ly lord ! Youv grace of Buckingham will thrive 
best on fc^reign shores. 

Calling after them. Exeunt Buckingham and 
De Longueville. Brandon comes down L. C. 

AIary 

C, turning to Brandon. 



222 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD 

Are you content ? I come to you a portionless 
princess, dowerless queen — I only bring — 

She laughs. 

My eyes, my teeth, my hands, my hair, my com- 
plexic^n. 



Earnestly. 



and my heart. 

Brandon 
.Ml gold — I ask no richer dower. 



L. C. 



Mary 

C. 

Then it shall buy your happiness. 

To Henry and all. 

The chroniclers shall write no more of Mary Tu- 
dor, Princess of England, Queen of France, only 
of Mary Brandon, whose throne was in her hus- 
band's heart, whose empire was his soul, her 
every wish his subject, and her will the meek and 
lowly servant of her lord and master, Charles 
Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. 



As Mary turns to Brandon, Will Somers steps 
on chair, singing a snatch of his old song. 



WAS TX FLOWER 223 

SOMERS 

'Cloth of gold, 
Do not despise. 
Though you be matched 
With cloth of frieze. 

Cloth of frieze. 
Be not too bold. 
Though you be matched 
W^ith cloth of gold." 



Curtain. 



LBAg' 



:0SF 



,f toc*T 0»^ 



ivwx. xsiyob 



Wl^^ 



24 1906 



^ 



